Republican candidate for Massachusetts Governor Brian Shortsleeve is responding to criticism after his campaign released an ad featuring an artificial intelligence-generated clip of his opponent, Democrat Maura Healey. The ad, shared on social media, mimics a radio advertisement for Healey’s re-election campaign.
AI-Generated Ad Sparks Controversy
The ad presents an AI recreation of Healey’s voice criticizing her own administration. The AI Healey voice states, “We have one of the highest electricity rates in the nation. Thanks to me slapping on excessive fees to fund my climate agenda.” The ad does not indicate that the voice is AI-generated.
A caption accompanying the ad on Shortsleeve’s Instagram page reads, “here’s what one of her radio ads might sound like – if she was honest.” The Shortsleeve campaign defended the ad as satire, stating, “While this ad is a parody, there is nothing funny or fake about its substance, which highlights Maura Healey’s failed record of killing jobs and making Massachusetts the most expensive state in the nation.”
Democratic Party Responds
The Massachusetts Democratic Party swiftly condemned the ad. Chairman Steve Kerrigan released a statement calling the ad a fabrication, saying, “SlowZone Shortsleeve has to create alternative realities to pretend he has any shot in this race.” Kerrigan further asserted that Shortsleeve “should stop lying to voters and tell them the truth—he will be a rubber stamp on President Trump’s harmful agenda.”
The incident raises broader questions about the regulation of AI-generated content – often referred to as ‘deepfakes’ – in elections. Existing regulations in 26 states generally require disclosure when AI is used in campaign ads, though some states also prohibit the use of a candidate’s likeness without their consent. However, current legislation includes an exception for satire and parody.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deepfake?
A deepfake is content created with artificial intelligence that features a fake digital version of a real person.
Does Massachusetts law require disclosure for AI-generated political ads?
The source material does not state whether Massachusetts specifically requires disclosure for AI-generated political ads, but it does state that 26 states regulate deepfakes in political campaigns.
Is satire protected from regulation regarding deepfakes?
According to the source, current legislation includes a carve-out that does not apply regulations to satire or parody.
It is possible that this incident could prompt further discussion about the need for stricter regulations surrounding the use of AI in political advertising. Legal challenges to the ad’s use of AI are also a possibility, though the outcome would likely depend on interpretations of existing laws and the application of the satire exemption. The situation could also encourage other campaigns to explore similar tactics, potentially leading to a more widespread use of AI-generated content in future elections.
