Google is about to adopt a new policy that will compel verified election advertisers to disclose the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their campaign content in an effort to increase openness and accountability in the world of political advertising.
The rule would require outright disclaimers if AI-generated content is used to represent actual people or events that are real or realistic-looking, and it will go into force in November 2023. This innovative project comes at a pivotal time as the use of AI tools for content creation grows, raising significant concerns about authenticity, accountability, and ethical norms in the digital era.
Shedding Light on AI-Generated Content
Google’s updated political content policy seeks to address the growing prevalence of synthetic content that can convincingly depict people or events, often blurring the line between reality and fiction. Under the new mandate, advertisers must provide disclosures that clearly convey the use of AI when crafting their campaign content. However, Google has wisely acknowledged that not all AI-driven alterations are created equal. Ads featuring synthetic content that makes inconsequential changes, such as resizing, cropping, or minor color corrections, will be exempt from these disclosure requirements.
Related: US Regulators Eye Regulation of Political Deepfakes Ahead of 2024 Election
The implementation of this policy is strategically timed, coming into effect precisely one year before the United States presidential elections in November 2024. This demonstrates Google’s commitment to ensuring that voters have access to accurate and transparent information during crucial political campaigns. As AI technologies continue to advance and play a more prominent role in content creation, these disclosures are poised to become a vital tool in safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes.
Google’s AI Evolution
Google’s focus on AI extends far beyond its political content policy. The company has been actively exploring ways to harness the power of AI across its platforms and services. In a recent memo from the CEO, a vision to transform Google into an “AI-first company” was articulated. This vision reflects a deep commitment to leverage AI technologies for innovation, efficiency, and enhancing user experiences.
In August, Google made significant strides in AI-powered enhancements by upgrading its search engine, streamlining search functions to provide users with more accurate and relevant results. Furthermore, Google has teamed up with OpenAI and Microsoft to establish the Frontier Model Forum, an industry-led initiative aimed at promoting responsible AI development and self-regulation within the tech sector.
This commitment to responsible AI extends to Google’s subsidiary, YouTube, which recently unveiled its guiding principles for collaborating with the music industry on AI-related tech.
Related: Google Sued Over New AI Data Scraping Privacy Policy