An ad in the St. Charles County Executive Republican Primary had deepfake footage of Bill Eigel and eventual winner Steve Ehlmann having a conversation with each other.
Now, after his election night victory, Ehlmann believes AI advertising in campaigns needs to be reigned in before it gets out of control.
"There's no law dealing with [AI in political ads]. What's a minor abuse right now could become a major, major problem as we go forward."
He worries after putting words in his mouth using AI, where does the line get drawn?
"Can you show your opponent doing something unethical. Or worse yet, can you show your opponent doing something illegal."
Ehlmann would like to see these guardrails enacted by lawmakers or the ethics committee, in order to expedite their enactment.
"If nothing happens in the legislatures or in congress the courts will end up having to deal with this and they will probably establish some limits on how far you can go."
Ehlmann says passing off this kind of deceptive advertising as obvious isn't an excuse.
"The excuse that 'well it's just AI, people know it's not real,' is that really sufficient to protect everybody's image and likeness."
30 states have some form of regulations on AI generated media in political advertising. Some only require disclaimers that the ad was made with artificial intelligence while states like Texas and Maryland have broad prohibitions. Earlier this year, a Missouri House committee rejected regulations on AI in political advertising.
