As we approach the 2024 election, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on political communication is a pressing concern. Dr. Scott Brennen, head of online expression policy at the UNC-Chapel Hill Center on Technology Policy, recently discussed this issue in an extended conversation with NC Newsline.
In the first part of the conversation, Dr. Brennen explored both the positive and negative aspects of AI in communication. While there is great potential for AI to improve communication and make people’s lives easier and more efficient, there are also concerns about its control and management, as well as its possibility for misuse by malicious actors to spread false information.
In the second part of the conversation, Dr. Brennen shifted his focus to political communication, particularly in relation to the upcoming election. While he remains optimistic that the risk of AI-generated misinformation influencing the election is limited, he emphasizes that elected officials must take proactive steps to safeguard democracy’s integrity. This includes implementing policy frameworks for political ads in the age of AI to combat any potential misuse of this technology in politics.
Overall, Dr. Brennen’s conversation highlights the importance of ensuring that AI is used ethically and responsibly in political communication. As we move forward into an increasingly digital age, it is crucial that we develop policies and frameworks that protect our democracy from any potential threats posed by this technology.