With parliament due to sit for only five more weeks this year, ACT Independent Senator David Pocock has renewed his calls for urgent legislation that will ban the use of generative AI in election materials and introduce strong truth in political advertising laws ahead of the next federal election.
On Saturday, Senator Pocock released AI-generated videos of the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader to highlight the ease and sophistication with which this content can be developed and deployed.
“For years, Australians have called for more integrity in politics and more recently have been expressing their concern about the risks from the unregulated use of artificial intelligence,” Senator Pocock said.
“Independents have been pushing for truth in political advertising, including banning the use of AI in election materials since before the last election. Time is fast running out to regulate this before Australians return to the polls.
“The failure of both major parties to introduce strong truth-in-political advertising laws and ban the use of AI is irresponsible and putting our democracy at risk.
“We’re seeing a growing number of examples around the world of generative AI being used to try and influence elections.
“The Australian Electoral Commissioner told a senate inquiry into AI that I helped initiate that they expect to see the same kind of attempts here.
“But the Commissioner also warned, “The AEC does not possess the legislative tools or internal technical capability to deter, detect or then adequately deal with false AI-generated content concerning the election process.”
“The Commissioner repeated these warnings as recently as today.
“Now is the time for the government to act to safeguard our democracy and ensure elections are fought and won as a contest of ideas, not on the basis of who can produce the best deepfakes or tell the most convincing lies.”
The Member for Curtin, Kate Chaney MP together with Senator Pocock introduced private bills into the house and senate respectively for electoral reform.
The Member for Warringah, Zali Steggall OAM MP has introduced multiple private members bills on truth in political advertising.
Senator Pocock has also instigated a petition calling for reform.