AI-Generated Deepfake Campaign Ads Escape Regulators’ Scrutiny

The Federal Election Commission refused Thursday to consider new rules to crack down on AI-generated “deepfake” campaign ads.

The FEC lacks the jurisdiction to regulate AI deepfakes, Republican commissioner Allen Dickerson argued.

“Instead of coming to us, they should take this up with Congress,” Dickerson said before commissioners deadlocked along party lines, preventing a first step toward trying to write rules.

The group Public Citizen had requested rulemaking on deceptive AI campaign ads, noting that federal law prohibits “fraudulent misrepresentation” of other candidates or political parties.

Democrats on the commission said the FEC typically doesn’t reject motions to take ...