Bob Johnston, a mayoral candidate in Sudbury, Ontario, has incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) to create his campaign posters, aiming to inject humor and optimism into his community. The AI-generated images depict Johnston as a cheerful cartoon character, prominently featuring his prosthetic legs. One poster portrays him fixing a pothole, while another shows him driving a van by the Big Nickel monument.
Johnston expressed delight in the positive reception of his campaign signs, noting that individuals have even expressed interest in keeping the signs as souvenirs post-election. As municipal candidates in Ontario gear up for the October elections, there is a lack of specific regulations governing the utilization of AI in political advertising, as highlighted by experts consulted by CBC.
Andrea Lawlor, an associate professor at McMaster University specializing in political science, emphasized the potential benefits of AI for political candidates, particularly in cost reduction for those lacking substantial financial support. However, the current landscape lacks comprehensive governance over the use of AI in political campaigns.
While the Municipal Elections Act and local bylaws in Sudbury do not explicitly address the use of AI in campaign advertising, adherence to existing regulations for political ads is still mandatory. Scott Lemke, an election law specialist, clarified that while employing AI in creating basic posters is generally acceptable, the creation of “deepfakes” using AI to deceive the public is criminally prohibited.
Professor Lawlor highlighted recent efforts towards regulating AI use, such as Bill C-25 amending the Canada Elections Act. Although these initiatives call for responsibility in AI usage by parties and candidates, the extent of prohibitions or regulations remains limited. Furthermore, a proposed bill in Ontario requiring AI disclosures on provincial election ads was rejected in May, leaving significant room for further regulation at all government levels.
Residents in Sudbury have voiced concerns over AI-generated campaign materials, citing apprehensions about the impact on younger generations. Despite criticisms, Johnston has received widespread praise for his innovative approach, with many commending the uniqueness and positivity of his AI-generated signs.
Reflecting on his decision to utilize AI in his campaign, Johnston emphasized his intention to bring a fresh perspective to politics, underscoring the need for change to demonstrate progress. However, Lawlor cautioned that the evolving power and accessibility of AI technology pose challenges in defining appropriate boundaries for political candidates.
As the debate on AI in political advertising continues, Lawlor stressed the importance of establishing standards for verifiability to uphold the integrity of electoral processes. She emphasized the necessity for government intervention to provide clarity on the permissible use of AI, suggesting the inclusion of disclosure statements on AI content as a potential solution.
When questioned about incorporating AI disclosures on his campaign signs, Johnston indicated that his current AI ads were a one-time experiment, hinting at uncertainties regarding potential future regulations. Despite potential uncertainties, Johnston expressed pride in being a trailblazer in AI utilization for political campaigns, noting the novelty and positive reception of his approach.
