TLDR:
- FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed a rule that would require the disclosure of AI-generated content in political advertisements.
- The rule, if adopted, would cover broadcasters, cable operators, satellite TV, and radio providers.
Key Elements of FCC Proposal Regarding AI Disclosures in TV Political Ads
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel put forward a proposal that would mandate the disclosure of AI-generated content in political ads for television. The aim of the rule is to ensure that consumers are aware when artificial intelligence tools are used to create content. This proposal comes in the wake of a deepfake incident involving President Biden, which sparked concerns about the use of AI in political messaging.
The proposed rule would apply to traditional broadcast media such as broadcasters, cable operators, satellite TV, and radio providers. However, it would not cover ads that appear on the internet or social media platforms. The rule does not prohibit the use of AI-generated content but rather requires transparency and disclosure to inform viewers about the origins of the content they are consuming.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of consumer awareness as AI tools become more accessible and prevalent in political advertising. The FCC’s proposal seeks to ensure that viewers have the right to know when AI technology is utilized in the creation of political ads, both for candidate campaigns and issue advocacy.
The FCC’s move comes after a deepfake of President Biden circulated via robocalls in New Hampshire, causing alarm among political observers. While the FCC has previously taken steps to address AI-generated robocalls, the commission is now extending its oversight to cover AI-generated content in traditional political ads. By proposing this rule, the FCC intends to safeguard the transparency and integrity of political messaging while adapting to advancements in technology.