OKLAHOMA CITY –
Charles McCall, a candidate for the governorship of Oklahoma, finds himself at the center of a political advertisement that seemingly employs artificial intelligence technology.
This development prompts a critical examination of the trajectory of political campaigns as technological innovations continue to proliferate.
Though artificial intelligence has recently permeated mainstream discourse, governmental regulations have yet to keep pace. Two experts have articulated their apprehensions regarding the implications for future political campaigns.
The advertisement featuring McCall showcases video representations that are digitally fabricated, exemplifying AI’s burgeoning capabilities. Political analyst Scott Mitchell from News 9 warns of potential ramifications stemming from such media.
“It is quite unsettling,” Mitchell remarked. “When disconnected from reality, one risks incitement.”
Cybersecurity attorney Collin Walke concurred, asserting that AI-generated deep fakes have reached alarming sophistication.
“Allowing this unchecked is a perilous proposition,” Walke elaborated. “The potential for profound reputational damage makes AI a distinctive and formidable threat.”
In Oklahoma, regulations governing the use of AI in political advertising remain nonexistent. This legislative year, two proposed Senate bills aimed to mandate disclosure of AI usage in political campaigns and restrict its application within the 90 days preceding an election. However, these initiatives languished during the recent legislative session.
“The Oklahoma Ethics Commission should contemplate establishing regulations against such practices,” Walke suggested.
The advertisement was financed by a political action committee dubbed Make Oklahoma Great Again. One individual, found in federal election records, disclaimed involvement in the ad’s production, noting that the original Making Oklahoma Great Again PAC had ceased operations, and a successor PAC had employed the same nomenclature for this advertisement. The address associated with the ad is situated in downtown Tulsa.
“Good luck addressing these shadowy financial entities, particularly in the wake of Citizens United,” Mitchell expressed.
Both Walke and Mitchell advocate for enhanced transparency in campaign finance.
“At a minimum, we should begin seeing watermarks or some form of identification,” Mitchell proposed.
Walke pointed out that widespread ignorance obfuscates the distinction between reality and fabrication. He anticipates legislative changes as the use of AI becomes more ubiquitous.
“Legislation will materialize once it starts influencing politicians,” Walke concluded.
News 9 attempted to reach the organization responsible for the advertisement, but did not receive a response by the Monday 10 p.m. news deadline.
Source link: News9.com.
