Google, OpenAI, Meta Sign Pact to Counter Deepfakes Ahead of US Elections

Major tech companies in the U.S. and globally have signed an accord to tackle the deceptive use of AI-generated deepfakes, ahead of the upcoming U.S. election.

The “Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in 2024 Elections” was signed by the likes of Meta, Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and OpenAI, at the Munich Security Conference last week.

The agreement's commitments include promises to advance technology aimed at "mitigating risks" associated with AI-generated deceptive election content, and to ensure transparency to the public regarding the measures taken by companies.

Moreover, these tech companies have also pledged to share best practices with others and educate the public to spot manipulated content.

“Democracy rests on safe and secure elections. Google has been supporting election integrity for years, and today’s accord reflects an industry-side commitment against AI-generated election misinformation that erodes trust. We can’t let digital abuse threaten AI’s generational opportunity to improve our economies, create new jobs, and drive progress in health and science,” Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs at Google, said.

FCC bans robocall

Earlier this month, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned robocalls generated by AI amid growing concern about the misuse of the technology.

The commission has granted state attorneys general the authority to pursue legal action against those still using the technology. Previously, attorneys general were limited to addressing the aftermath of receiving unwanted AI-generated robocalls.

FCC’s decision to ban robocalls is heavily influenced by the fraudulent robocall impersonating President Joe Biden which was circulating ahead of New Hampshire's Democratic primary election.

There are growing concerns among lawmakers and citizens alike that if not checked, such misuse of the technology could significantly impact the upcoming presidential election. 

Earlier this year, a group of 26 state attorneys general also urged the FCC to impose limitations on the utilization of AI in telemarketing.