By Google, under Alphabet (GOOGL.O), revealed plans on Tuesday to curtail the range of election-related inquiries its chatbot Bard and generative search experience can address in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. Presidential election. These restrictions are scheduled to be implemented by early 2024, marking a proactive step by the company.
Beyond the U.S., 2024 is expected to witness pivotal elections globally, notably in India and South Africa, prompting Google to emphasize a revised approach regarding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in catering to voters and campaigns during these significant electoral events.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced in November its decision to bar political campaigns and advertisers in regulated industries from utilizing its new generative AI advertising tools. Moreover, advertisers on Meta’s platforms will be required to disclose the use of AI or digital methods in altering or creating political, social, or election-related ads on Facebook and Instagram.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s social media platform X, currently under investigation by the European Union, reversed its stance in August and will now permit political advertising in the U.S. from candidates and political parties. This shift accompanies an expansion of X’s safety and elections team ahead of the impending U.S. election, a notable deviation from its previous global ban on political ads since 2019.
Globally, governments are rallying to regulate AI due to its potential threats, particularly in the dissemination of misinformation. The European Union is set to introduce new regulations compelling major tech companies to distinctly label political advertising on their platforms, disclosing funding sources, expenditure details, and targeted election specifics.
