On August 5, a proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerning transparency when using artificial intelligence(AI)-generated content in political advertising was published in the U.S. Federal Register.

The FCC’s proposal would require broadcasters to provide an on-air announcement for any political ad containing AI-generated content disclosing the use of such content in the ad.

This includes advertising for candidates and for issues.

The rule would apply to broadcast and satellite radio and television stations and services, cable operators, and certain permit holders transmitting programming.

The Commission is also proposing to require these licensees and regulatees to include a notice in their online political files for all political ads that include AI-generated content disclosing that the ad contains such content.

Public comments can be made on or before September 4, 2024, by mail or at the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/.

On December 15, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler announced his resignation. Wheeler will leave office on January 20, 2017, the date of the inauguration of president-elect Donald J. Trump.

Because Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel was not confirmed by the Senate for a new term and will not be with the FCC after January 3, until new commissioners are appointed, the FCC will have a 2-1 Republican majority on the day Trump is sworn in as president. The five-member FCC may only have three commissioners from a single political party. One of the responsibilities of the FCC is enforcement of broadcast political advertising.

“Wash. to unveil voter registration on Facebook” by Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) in the Seattle Times.

“How the New iPhone Will Expose Cities Lagging on Open Data” by Emily Badger in The Atlantic Cities.

“Political Ad Database Debuted by FCC” by Brian Heaton in Government Technology.

“Legislating Social Media in the States” by Dylan Scott in Governing.

Campaign Finance

“FCC’s political ad rule disappoints supporters and foes alike” by Andrew Feinberg in The Hill.

“The FCC Makes Campaign Finance (a Bit) More Transparent” by Kirsten Salyer in Bloomberg.

“FCC Approves Political Ad Rule” by Amy Schatz in The Wall Street Journal.

Ethics

“Former State Senator Is Sentenced to 7 Years in Vast Bribery Case” by Benjamin Weiser in The New York Times.

“Illinois Gov. Ryan’s Corruption Appeal Sent Back to Lower Court” by The Associated Press in Governing.

“Aaron Schock hit with FEC complaint” by John Bresnahan in Politico.

Campaign and Government Tech

“With the 2012 Election Looming, NRCC Names a New Digital Director” by Nick Judd in TechPresident.

“Philadelphia Embraces The World Of Open Data” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.