Oklahoma’s governor is considering a drastic move to keep AI-generated ads out of politics after a recent investigation uncovered a shocking trend: deepfake videos and AI-powered disinformation are flooding the state’s airwaves ahead of the 2024 election.
A News 4 investigation revealed that at least 17 candidates for public office have used AI-generated videos or audio clips in their campaigns, often to create misleading or entirely fabricated messages. These AI-fueled ads are so convincing that many viewers can’t tell they’re fake. The investigation also found that some of these AI-generated ads were used to spread false information about opponents, further muddying the waters of Oklahoma’s already contentious elections.
The governor’s office is now weighing the possibility of calling a special session to pass a law banning AI-generated ads in politics altogether. This move would make Oklahoma the first state to take such a drastic step, and it could have far-reaching implications for the future of election advertising nationwide. If passed, the law would likely require candidates to disclose if their ads are generated by AI, and would also establish clear guidelines for what constitutes an AI-generated ad.