NEW DELHI: As the campaign for congressional election has started gaining momentum in south-central Pennsylvania, voters have started getting calls over the weekend from an artificial person campaigning on behalf of Shamaine Daniels, in what’s believed to be the first of type interactive AI-powered political phone campaign.
Daniels aims to unseat House Republican Representative Scott Perry in Pennsylvania’s 10th district, a key target for Democrats in their pursuit to shift the House majority.
According to report in Politico, these AI calls epitomize the forefront of a new era in politics, wherein “generative AI” systems, displaying human-like flexibility and persuasion, are taking on tasks such as composing campaign letters and automated text messages.
Despite concerns from security experts and ethicists about the use of AI, it remains subject to minimal regulations. Congress faces an uphill battle in implementing any laws governing AI before the 2024 elections. The Federal Election Commission has been gathering public comments on regulating deceptive AI content in campaign ads but hasn’t made any decisions yet.
The AI-based volunteer, named Ashley and crafted by Civox, operates in a slightly metallic female voice, designed to indicate its artificial nature. It engages in discussions about Daniels’ background, policies, and her opponent, Perry.
Daniels views this AI technology as a means to guide discussions about the use of AI in politics, stating that it will fundamentally reshape campaigning.
However, concerns have emerged regarding the potential for misinformation and fake content. Both Daniels and Civox claim that their AI strictly presents factual information. Test calls indicated Ashley’s adherence to the script, discussing Daniels’ biography, policies, and declining to stray into certain broader topics.
Despite some initial shortcomings reported by recipients of the AI calls, proponents like Daniels see AI as a tool to enhance campaign effectiveness and broaden outreach, envisioning its potential application in government for engaging constituents in policymaking.
The arrival of AI in political spheres has sparked both excitement and apprehension, highlighting the need for transparent use and a broader conversation about its role in shaping political discourse.
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