AI has provided real benefits to campaigns, most notably in data, targeting and digital campaigns. Generative AI is another creature entirely. I was alarmed at the rising number of “deep fake” political ads designed to mislead voters about the truth and I’m proud the AAPC board agreed: “While the public’s trust in institutions and campaigns has been shaken in recent decades, the use of “deep fake” generative AI content is a dramatically different and dangerous threat to democracy.”

It can be hard to reach consensus among consultants on which tactics are acceptable in campaigns – particularly on a board that is national, bipartisan and represents every part of the industry, but this vote was unanimous. Full statement at the link.