Google Cracks Down On AI-Altered Election Ads

'Bard' word in Google search engine is seen displayed on a laptop screen in this illustration photo taken in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland, on August 2, 2023. Google is implementing a new policy that will force election advertisers to declare the usage of artificial intelligence techniques in creating their messaging to increase transparency and accountability in political advertising. JAKUB PORZYCKI/NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in political advertising, Alphabet Inc’s Google is rolling out a new policy that will require election advertisers to disclose the use of artificial intelligence tools in crafting their messages.

Starting mid-November, this policy will have significant implications for election campaigns across Google’s platforms, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.

Under this policy update, election advertisers utilizing generative AI, software capable of creating or modifying content based on a simple prompt, must prominently display disclosure messages in their ads.

‘Bard’ word in Google search engine is seen displayed on a laptop screen in this illustration photo taken in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland, on August 2, 2023. Google is implementing a new policy that will force election advertisers to declare the usage of artificial intelligence techniques in creating their messaging to increase transparency and accountability in political advertising. JAKUB PORZYCKI/NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES 

These messages must explicitly state when content has been altered by AI, such as “This audio was computer generated” or “This image does not depict real events.” The policy excludes minor adjustments like image resizing or brightness adjustments.

This move reflects Google’s commitment to transparency in political advertising, especially in an era where AI tools, including its own, are increasingly used to create synthetic content.

Michael Aciman, a Google spokesperson, notes that this policy aims to support responsible political advertising and provide voters with the information they need to make informed choices.

It’s important to note that Google’s new policy does not extend to videos uploaded on YouTube, even if they are related to political campaigns.

The same is also true for Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META)’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as for Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter.

Google’s decision to enact this policy comes in response to growing pressure to combat misinformation on its platforms, particularly false claims related to elections and voting.

‘Bard’ word in Google search engine is seen displayed on a laptop screen in this illustration photo taken in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland, on August 2, 2023. Google is implementing a new policy that will force election advertisers to declare the usage of artificial intelligence techniques in creating their messaging to increase transparency and accountability in political advertising. JAKUB PORZYCKI/NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES 

In the past, Google has taken steps such as identity verification for election advertisers and targeting restrictions for election ads. The company has also provided a transparency center for the public to track election ad purchases, spending, and impressions on its platforms.

Shares of Alphabet Inc. closed 1% lower to $135.37 on Wednesday.

 

Produced in association with Benzinga