How U.S. political campaigns have used generative AI - marketplace-tech Recap

Podcast: marketplace-tech

Published: 2026-01-05

Duration: 8 minutes

Guests: Tim Harper

Summary

The use of generative AI in the 2024 presidential race was more about efficiency and scale than deception. Voluntary norms and state laws helped curb misuse, but future campaigns might face challenges navigating a patchwork of regulations.

What Happened

Generative AI played a role in the 2024 presidential race, primarily enhancing the speed and scale of campaign messaging rather than creating deceptive content. Tim Harper from the Center for Democracy and Technology notes that AI was used to generate rapid, targeted communications across various audiences, which proved more valuable than producing deepfakes.

The limited deceptive use of AI can be attributed to voluntary guardrails and norms established by campaigns, who feared voter backlash if they were caught manipulating videos. Harper suggests that as these norms erode, the risk-to-reward ratio for using AI in campaigns might shift, potentially increasing the use of AI for competitive advantages.

Many states have implemented laws requiring disclaimers on manipulated content used in political ads, but these laws vary significantly, creating a complex regulatory environment for campaigns to navigate. This patchwork may favor larger campaigns with the resources to adapt their strategies to different states' rules.

Harper warns that future campaigns could use AI to spread misinformation about voting logistics, such as time and place, exploiting AI's ability to personalize messages using voter data. This could lead to higher persuasion levels than traditional misinformation campaigns.

AI could also be used to manipulate search algorithms, potentially directing voters to biased or incorrect information about candidates or voting procedures. This manipulation of online information could significantly impact voter perceptions and actions.

Public resilience to AI-driven misinformation was bolstered in 2024 through education campaigns that taught voters how to identify AI-generated content. However, Harper cautions that the lack of a major AI-related incident in 2024 might lead to complacency in future public education efforts, reducing voter resilience over time.

Overall, the episode underscores the evolving role of AI in political campaigns, highlighting both the potential benefits of efficiency and the risks of misinformation. The conversation suggests that as AI technologies continue to develop, they will require ongoing attention and adaptation from both regulators and the public.

Key Insights