AI Task Force Takes Stand: Michigan and Arizona Combat Deep Fakes and Election Misinformation.

Michigan and Arizona have teamed up to lead a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Task Force. The recent scandal involving a robocall that used AI to impersonate President Biden and discourage voters has underscored the urgent need for this initiative.

This particular incident, which occurred during the January Democratic primary, saw a political consultant accused of using AI to produce a deceptive robocall. The consultant now faces severe legal repercussions, including millions in fines and multiple felony charges. The AI-generated call was a stark reminder of how technology can be weaponized against the democratic process.

The new task force, spearheaded by Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, aims to counteract such malevolent uses of AI. Fontes, although not fluent in German, crafted a deepfake that perfectly mimics his voice to demonstrate the frighteningly realistic nature of AI-generated content. His demonstration wasn’t just a stunt; it was a crucial eye-opener about how easy it can be to deceive voters.

The coalition of secretaries of state, organized by the NewDEAL Forum, is working on several fronts. They are developing tools and best practices to help election officials and voters stay vigilant. New legislation in Michigan has made it a felony to knowingly distribute harmful deepfakes, while also requiring AI-generated political ads to include clear disclaimers. This new law aims to curb the spread of deceptive AI content and inform the public about its origins.

Both Arizona and Michigan have implemented tabletop exercises to prepare election clerks for the realities of AI threats. These exercises simulate various scenarios, training clerks to detect AI-generated misinformation and coordinate with law enforcement swiftly. This proactive approach is vital, as a NewDEAL Forum poll revealed that only 41% of Arizonans are aware of AI’s impact on elections.

New York State Assemblymember Alex Bores, who co-chairs the NewDEAL Forum AI Task Force, emphasizes the dual nature of generative AI—its potential to enhance public services and its risks to democratic integrity. The task force’s recent report outlines practical steps for election officials, from public awareness campaigns to rapid-response protocols.

In the legislative arena, at least 40 states are introducing AI regulations, with 18 states, including Michigan, focusing on election-related concerns. These efforts are crucial as the landscape of political misinformation evolves.

As the 2024 elections approach, the AI Task Force’s work highlights a critical shift in how we protect democracy in the digital age. By combining legislative action with innovative training and public awareness, Michigan and Arizona are setting a precedent for how to navigate the complexities of AI in elections.

Helpful Info: Democracy Docket

Artificial Intelligence and Elections. Initial Steps To Protect Democracy.