Blumenthal targets campaign deepfakes with new legislation [Video]

Most robocalls are illegal in the U.S., but Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) says that won’t stop a deluge of election-season calls and other campaign advertisements.

He’s most concerned about recorded calls and ads that use artificial intelligence (AI) to produce so-called “deepfake” content, spreading election disinformation. Blumenthal is calling for further bipartisan federal legislation to contain them.

“These ‘deepfakes’ are a pernicious, persistent and immediate danger of distortion and deception,” says Blumenthal, whose bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), would require that calls and ads using AI self-report to their targets:

“Deepfake impersonations, false voices can be used all to easily in campaign ads—but other ads as well. And so, requiring disclosure that artificial intelligence technology has been used in that ad, whether it’s a phone call, or a text, or something on the tube, is absolutely essential.”

The bill would also establish an independent oversight body. Blumenthal doesn’t …