Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams has raised concerns about the potential influence of artificial intelligence AI on elections, emphasizing the need for proactive legislation.
Speaking to the General Assembly’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, Adams highlighted the risks posed by AI, especially in the context of this year’s presidential election, and suggested that lawmakers consider criminalizing the impersonation of election officials.
A recent Pew Research Center study revealed that 57% of U.S. adults are highly concerned about AI being used to generate misleading information during elections. Adams cited a bipartisan bill from Kentucky legislators, Republican Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe and Democratic Caucus Chair Sen. Reggie Thomas, aimed at limiting deep fakes or deceptive AI in elections. While the bill passed the Senate, it stalled in the House.
Adams pointed to a case where a political consultant was fined $6 million by the Federal Communications Commission for using fake robocalls to discourage voters in New Hampshire, underscoring the importance of including election officials under such protective laws.
He noted that impersonating election officials could do more harm than impersonating a candidate.
Bledsoe, co-chair of the task force, acknowledged the tension between AI legislation and free speech protections, while Rep. Josh Bray supported Adams’ proposals, emphasizing the necessity for legislative action as technology evolves.
The discussion highlighted AI’s potential impact not only in the U.S. but in other countries like the United Kingdom and South Africa, which also face AI-related election concerns.