Google Simplifies AI Disclosures in Political Ads Amid 2024 Election Concerns

Google is simplifying the process for political advertisers to disclose AI-generated content in their ads, as concerns mount over the use of AI in the lead-up to the 2024 US presidential election.

Automated disclosures for AI-generated political ads: Google will now automatically generate disclosures for political ads that contain AI-generated content, making it easier for advertisers to comply with disclosure requirements:

• Advertisers can now select an “altered or synthetic content” checkbox in their campaign settings, which will trigger Google to automatically include an in-ad disclosure.
• The automated disclosures will appear in feeds, YouTube Shorts on mobile devices, and in-stream ads on various platforms, while advertisers will still need to include their own disclosures for other ad formats.

Growing concerns over AI in political advertising: With the 2024 US presidential election approaching, there are increasing worries about the potential impact of AI-generated content in political ads:

• In May, the Senate Rules Committee advanced a bill that would require political advertisers to disclose AI-generated content in their ads.
• The Federal Communications Commission has also proposed a similar policy to ensure transparency in political advertising.

Efforts to safeguard elections from AI: Google’s move to simplify AI disclosures in political ads comes amid broader efforts to protect the integrity of elections in the face of rapidly advancing AI technologies:

• Election officials are conducting role-playing exercises to simulate potential AI threats and develop strategies to protect democracy.
• Multiple bills aimed at safeguarding elections from AI have been passed by the Senate Rules Committee, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue before the upcoming election.

Broader implications for the 2024 election: As AI continues to advance and become more accessible, it is crucial for tech companies, lawmakers, and election officials to work together to ensure transparency and prevent the spread of disinformation in political campaigns. Google’s automated disclosure system is a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive measures may be needed to fully address the complex challenges posed by AI in the political sphere. The 2024 US presidential election will likely serve as a critical test of the effectiveness of these efforts to safeguard democracy in the age of artificial intelligence.