AI-Generated Political Ads Spark Controversy Over Mockery and Misinformation

Concerns are mounting that the rapid spread of AI-generated political advertisements in U.S. elections is blurring the lines between truth and fiction.

According to the U.S. online media outlet Axios on June 16 (local time), a series of AI-generated ads depicting candidates in ways that do not reflect reality have recently appeared in various elections.

The most recent case sparking controversy is a political ad produced by a group supporting former President Donald Trump.

The ad features James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the Texas State House, wearing a woman's dress and singing a song about transgender issues.

The video, interpreted as an attempt to provoke backlash from conservative voters, was not real but rather a scene generated by AI.

Additionally, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) produced an ad using AI to depict candidate Talarico reading his own past social media posts.

The problem is that current regulations do not mandate the disclosure of AI usage in political advertisements.

While some candidates and organizations voluntarily disclose the use of AI, experts point out that the lack of relevant regulations makes it impossible to filter out ads that could mislead or deceive voters.

In this climate, the use of AI-driven advertisements is spreading across the United States.

In the Kentucky Republican primary, an AI-generated ad appeared showing Representative Thomas Massie holding hands with Representatives Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who represent the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.

In Georgia, Republican gubernatorial candidate Brad Raffensperger aired an ad featuring AI-generated footage of his opponents firing guns.

Democratic candidates are also utilizing AI in their campaign ads.

Candidate Jasmine Crockett in Texas used AI to inflate the size of the crowd in her ad and also posted a video online featuring former President Donald Trump as a baby.

Andrew Cuomo, a candidate for New York City mayor, also showcased an ad using AI to depict himself performing various jobs, such as a subway operator and a stockbroker.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has stated that if they regain a majority in Congress in the upcoming midterm elections in November, they plan to push for measures to strengthen disclosure requirements for AI political advertisements.

(Photo: Internet capture, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.