Gov. Evers signs legislation addressing AI use in political advertisements
Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday signed 2023 Act 123, which requires disclosures on political advertisements that use content generated by artificial intelligence. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signed 2023 Act 123, which requires disclosures on political advertisements that use content generated by artificial intelligence. The measure was introduced by Sen. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) and Rep. Clinton Anderson (Democratic Rep. Mark Spereitzer). Act 123 regulates synthetic media within political advertisements in a manner that remains impartial to content while helping voters discern whether political communications are artificially generated or not. The use of AI in political ads is not necessarily good or bad, as it can create a clever animation or create a realistic-looking video clip that makes it appear like an opponent's opponent has said something they never did.
Published : a month ago by Chad Thompson in Politics Tech
MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday signed 2023 Act 123, which requires disclosures on political advertisements that use content generated by artificial intelligence.
The measure was introduced by Sen. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) and Rep. Clinton Anderson (D-Beloit). Act 123 regulates synthetic media within political advertisements in a manner that remains impartial to content while helping voters discern whether political communications are artificially generated or not.
"Today’s bill signing is a significant step towards preserving the integrity of our electoral process," Anderson said in a statement. "By enacting this legislation, we establish transparency in political messaging by mandating disclosures on AI-generated content within advertisements. This law empowers voters to discern authenticity, fostering informed decisions at the polls while upholding impartiality towards content.”
Spreitzer added, “With the signing of Act 123, Wisconsin is leading the country in safeguarding elections from AI interference. The use of AI to create a political ad is not inherently good or bad. Generative AI could be used to create a clever animation to illustrate a candidate's views, or it could be used to create a realistic-looking video clip that makes it look like their opponent said something they never did.
"This bill will leave it up to voters to determine whether what they are seeing or hearing is 'fair,' but it will give voters the information to know that what they are seeing or hearing may not be 'real'. I am proud to have worked with our bipartisan coalition to get this bill drafted and through the legislative process this year.”
Topics: AI