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Legislation would regulate the use of AI technology in political ads in Michigan

Under the legislation, campaigns at both the state and federal level would be required to say if political ads airing in Michigan were created using AI technology.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign legislation that will regulate how artificial intelligence (AI) is used in political ads.

Under the legislation, campaigns at both the state and federal level would be required to disclose if political ads airing in Michigan were created using AI technology.

The disclosure would need to appear in television ads for at least four seconds in letters that are large enough to see.

Additionally, the use of AI generated deepfakes used within 90 days of an election would need a separate disclaimer letting viewers know that the content is manipulated, and if what is depicted actually did not happen.

Media companies like Google and Meta have also taken steps to reduce the spread of deepfakes.

Experts say voters need to be cautious of what they see online. Grand Rapids City Clerk Joel Hondorp said at the local level, election officials are working to get voters the information they need.

"Information coming out from cities, counties, the state on correct information about elections — I think we're gonna just have to up our game as far as social media messaging and also working with the media to get out that information," he said.

Campaigns found to be in violation of the laws could be charged with a misdemeanor.
They could face up to 93 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

There's also a bipartisan effort at the federal level to ban deepfakes relating to federal candidates, but Congress has not passed anything yet.

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