AI in 2024 Election: Transforming Presidential Race Dynamics

Published Date: 07/07/2024

An AI-generated robocall sounding like Joe Biden has raised concerns about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the 2024 presidential election.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, concerns are growing about the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the outcome. Just two days before the New Hampshire primary, an AI-generated robocall went out to voters, urging them to 'save' their vote for November. The call reportedly sounded like President Joe Biden and even used one of his signature phrases, 'what a bunch of malarkey.' However, prosecutors claim the call was a form of voter suppression and impersonation, and the political consultant behind it has been charged.

This incident highlights the potential risks of AI in politics. According to Erik Nisbet, a professor of Policy Analysis and Communication at Northwestern University, this will be the first major campaign cycle where AI is used extensively. Nisbet believes that AI will be a 'testing ground' for how it will be used by campaigns, candidates, and even malign actors who want to interfere with the election.

In a country already divided, Nisbet thinks AI will only exacerbate the problem. 'We're still trying to figure out what the impact of digital media has on polarization in our politics. We haven't really figured out how to deal with that. AI's going to turbocharge these problems when it comes to misinformation, bad actors using it to create political divides,' Nisbet said.

AI is likely to be used extensively in battleground states, but the question remains  how can bad actors be held accountable? The problem is that there are currently no federal regulations on the use of AI in campaigns. Instead, states are left to regulate AI on their own, creating a 'hodgepodge' of laws nationwide. In Illinois, for example, there are two pending bills in the House and Senate that aim to regulate the use of AI in elections.

As the 2024 election approaches, it's clear that AI will play a significant role. But will it be a force for good or evil? That remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however  the 'Wild West' of AI in elections needs to be tamed.

Northwestern University is a private research university based in Evanston, Illinois. Its School of Communication is a leading institution for research and education in communication studies.

ABC7 Chicago is a local news channel that provides 24/7 coverage of news and events in the Chicago area.

FAQS:

Q: What is the concern about AI in the 2024 presidential election?

A: The concern is that AI could be used to spread misinformation, impersonate candidates, and interfere with the election.

Q: What happened in the New Hampshire primary?

A: An AI-generated robocall went out to voters, urging them to 'save' their vote for November, and was allegedly made to sound like President Joe Biden.

Q: Who is Erik Nisbet?

A: Erik Nisbet is a professor of Policy Analysis and Communication at Northwestern University.

Q: What are the risks of AI in politics?

A: The risks include the spread of misinformation, the creation of political divides, and the potential for malign actors to interfere with the election.

Q: Are there any regulations on the use of AI in campaigns?

A: There are currently no federal regulations, but some states are passing their own laws to regulate the use of AI in elections.

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