GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The rise of artificial intelligence has many concerned over the potential impact to elections - a dynamic that is now coming under the spotlight of the federal government.
On Monday, ABC News reported it had obtained a federal analysis compiled by the Department of Homeland Security warning about the quick advancements in AI technology and how it could affect our elections.
"I think the bad actors, both foreign and domestic, are getting more sophisticated and using AI and new technology to make it even more convincing to the unsuspecting voters," said Chris Trebilcock, an attorney serving on the Michigan Advisory Council for the non-partisan civic education group Keep Our Republic.
Local, state and federal officials, experts have said, are going to need to have plans in place to make sure they can adapt and protect our elections.
"One of the big things is education," Trebilcock said. "Some of it's mandated by legislation, and another thing, clerks are doing and taking on by themselves. For example, clerks partnering with organizations such as Keep Our Republic, doing educational forums out in the community, arming people with good information."
In Michigan, lawmakers have already moved to put restrictions on how A-I can be used in political advertising, among other election safety measures.
"The penalties can be severe," Trebilcock said. "The statute allows for civil penalties as well as criminal charges. So, you could face jail time for violating these statutes."
But beyond the halls of the state capitol, everyday voters likely need to be vigilant and know whom to trust.
"Local clerks in every county and city - they are great resources for trusted information," Trebilcock said. "And that's where you need to go to get that information."
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.