Senate hearing with deepfake experts tackles elections and sexual abuse
At a Senate hearing, deepfake detection software experts shared concerns with existing plans to curb malicious deepfakes.
Three deepfake-detection software experts testified to the Senate's subcommittee on privacy, technology and the law Tuesday about how Congress can regulate the artificial intelligence space, particularly the rise of malicious deepfakes.
Deepfakes are misleading audio, video or images that are created or edited with AI technology.
In January, deepfake audio that impersonated President Joe Biden telling Democrats not to vote in the New Hampshire primary was sent to thousands of voters in a robocall. Other deepfakes use AI to "undress" real photos of women and girls, juxtaposing their real faces with fake nudity. Both types of deepfakes were discussed during Tuesday's hearing, which focused on disinformation in the 2024 election cycle.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., chairman of the committee, said Congress’ proposed regulatory framework would require independent testing of AI technology before it is released to the public, along with potential penalties.
“We should make no mistake: The threat of political deepfakes is real, it’s happening now,” he said. “It’s not science fiction coming at some point in the future, possibly or hypothetically. Artificial intelligence is already being used to interfere with our elections, sowing lies about candidates and suppressing the vote.”
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