Contributor: Investigate the AI campaigns flooding public agencies with fake comments

California’s tradition of open government aims to keep corporate interests in check, but recent developments reveal the use of AI to simulate fake grassroots opposition to clean air measures.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District experienced fake opposition to clean air rules through a Washington-based AI-powered comment generation platform, CiviClick, orchestrated by a political consultant linked to the natural gas industry.
Despite fake comments seemingly driving a rejection of environmental regulations that could save thousands from pollution-related health issues, investigations revealed these comments were fabricated and used individuals without their consent.
Similar tactics have been employed in other states, such as North Carolina, showing a broader strategy to undermine environmental protections through deceptive means.
Powerful local lobbying firms run by Sempra and fossil fuel industry ties orchestrated these deceptive campaigns against clean air standards.
The integrity of the public input process is under threat, and it isn’t just an environmental issue but a democratic one demanding urgent investigation and accountability.
Legislative efforts, like Senate Bill 1159, aim to tighten laws regarding the misuse of personal identities in deceitful campaigns to protect democratic institutions.

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