TLDR:
AI-generated robocalls sounding like Joe Biden are impacting elections, and experts believe AI will worsen political division. There are currently no federal regulations on the use of AI in campaigns, leading to a “Wild West” scenario in elections.
Key Points:
- AI-generated robocalls impersonating Joe Biden are influencing voter decisions.
- Expert Erik Nisbet believes AI will intensify political polarization.
In January, a robocall was made in New Hampshire resembling Joe Biden, urging voters to save their vote for November. It was later revealed to be an AI-generated voice, leading to charges of voter suppression and impersonation against a political consultant. This incident highlights the potential impact of AI on election campaigns.
Erik Nisbet, a professor at Northwestern University, predicts that the use of AI in elections will exacerbate political divisions. With no federal regulations currently in place, the use of AI in campaigns remains largely unchecked. Some states, including Illinois, are considering legislation to regulate the use of AI in elections, but a uniform national standard is lacking.
Nisbet warns that AI will be utilized in battleground states and raise concerns about accountability for bad actors. Without clear regulations, the intersection of AI and elections creates a chaotic and unregulated environment, likened to the “Wild West” by Nisbet.