Oklahoma ethics agency to consider regulating use of AI in political campaigns
Oklahoma ethics agency to consider regulating use of AI in political campaigns
Publish Date: 2026-06-06 07:00:00
Source Domain: kiowacountypress.net
- The Oklahoma Ethics Commission has initiated a rulemaking process to explore regulations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns, focusing on disclosure requirements.
- The Commission will consider defining AI, mandating disclaimers for its use, potential exemptions for parody or satire, and addressing First Amendment concerns.
- Executive Director Lee Anne Bruce Boone noted the Commission will likely collaborate with state lawmakers, as some aspects of this regulation fall outside the Commission’s jurisdiction.
- Governor Kevin Stitt has expressed strong concerns, threatening a special session to regulate AI use following an AI-generated ad misleading voters.
- Sample language for potential rules presented includes disclaimers for synthetic media, deceitful media within 90 days of an election, synthetic media influencing elections, and deepfakes impersonating candidates.
- Commissioner Howard Johnson emphasized that any disclosure requirements must define specifics like text size, duration, and reading speed.
- Commissioner Adam Weintraub highlighted the malicious intent behind AI usage in Oklahoma’s political campaigns and expressed interest in other states’ regulatory efforts.
- Thirty-six states have laws regulating deepfakes in political messaging, though some have faced legal challenges related to free speech issues.
