FCC Demands Disclosure of AI Content in Political Ads

The FCC has proposed requiring political advertisements using AI-generated content to disclose but not outright forbid it.

The formal suggestion, issued by Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on Wednesday, was for the FCC to look into and request feedback on such a rule. (The government has declared AI-generated robocalls unlawful; however, that decision was primarily based on the AI piece’s noncompliance with automated call regulations.)

In a statement released with the news, she added, “I hope [the commissioners] swiftly act on this issue. Consumers have a right to know when AI tools are used in the political ads they see.”

The proposed framework would mandate that an on-air and filed notification that AI-generated content was utilized be included in both candidate and issue commercials. “Cable operators, satellite TV, and radio providers” would be covered by this, but streamers and websites like YouTube would not be, as the FCC cannot legally control them. An agreed-upon definition of AI-generated content would be necessary first.

The proposal is for a fact-finding study, which is the first stage in the public process of creating a new regulation. The FCC would request feedback on the regulation’s initial necessity, the definition of the content, and other matters if it were to be enacted. These can be voted on at any time, unlike rule-making documents, so it’s possible—though unlikely—that the other commissioners will approve them before Wednesday’s closure of business.