Senate Takes First Steps to Address AI’s Impact on Elections
Senate Rules Committee Passes Three Election Bills
On Wednesday, the Senate Rules Committee took an early step towards addressing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on federal elections by passing three election bills. Chair Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who sponsors the bills, highlighted that 14 states have already enacted some form of labeling for AI-generated content in state-level elections.
Preparing Election Administrators for AI Act Receives Unanimous Support
The Preparing Election Administrators for AI Act, which passed unanimously (11-0), directs the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to collaborate with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create a report for election offices. This report will focus on the risks posed by AI to disinformation, cybersecurity, and election administration. An amendment was also included, requiring a report on AI’s impact on the 2024 elections.
Two Additional Bills Pass with Bipartisan Support
The Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act and the AI Transparency in Elections Act both passed 9-2 out of the committee. The former, co-sponsored by Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Susan Collins (R-ME), prohibits AI-generated deepfakes of federal candidates in certain circumstances related to fundraising or influencing an election. The latter, co-sponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), requires a disclaimer on political ads substantially created or altered by AI, excluding minor edits like color adjustments or resizing.
Concerns and Opposition from Ranking Member
Ranking Member Deb Fischer (R-NE) opposed the latter two bills, arguing that they are “over-inclusive” and regulate previously unregulated speech beyond deepfakes. Fischer stated that the Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act would restrict unpaid political speech, which is unprecedented in the 50-year history of federal campaign finance laws. She also suggested that state legislatures are a more appropriate venue for such election regulations.
Democrats Urge Action to Protect Democracy
Key Democrats on the committee stressed the importance of taking action. Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner (D-VA) expressed concern that the U.S. may be less protected in 2024 than in 2020, as adversaries recognize the ease and low cost of interfering in elections using AI tools. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) emphasized the potential consequences of inaction:
If deepfakes are everywhere and no one believes the results of the elections, woe is our democracy
Schumer also noted the committee’s passage of the bills and expressed his desire to “get that done in time for the election” during a press conference on the AI roadmap.
3 Comments
How about we also pass some common sense along with those bills!
Let’s hope these bills are as smart as the AI they’re trying to regulate!
Finally, the Senate’s taking AI threats seriously! About time.