Bob Johnston, a contender for the mayoral position in Sudbury, Ontario, has turned to artificial intelligence to craft campaign posters, aiming to inject humor and optimism into his community. The AI-generated images depict Johnston as a cheerful animated figure, prominently featuring his prosthetic legs. One design portrays him patching up a pothole, while another shows him driving a van past the iconic Big Nickel landmark.
Johnston expressed delight in the positive reception of his unique campaign signs, noting that individuals have even inquired about keeping the signs as mementos post-election. As municipal candidates in Ontario gear up for the upcoming October elections, the use of AI in advertising remains unregulated, according to experts consulted by CBC.
Andrea Lawlor, an associate professor of political science at McMaster University, highlighted the benefits of AI for political aspirants, particularly for those operating with limited financial resources. However, she cautioned that the current landscape lacks comprehensive governance over the utilization of this technology.
City officials clarified that while there are no specific regulations under the Municipal Elections Act or local bylaws in Greater Sudbury regarding AI in municipal election advertisements, such ads must still adhere to existing political advertising requirements. Scott Lemke, an election law attorney, emphasized that while basic AI-generated posters are permissible, creating deceptive “deepfakes” using AI is prohibited by law.
Lawlor acknowledged some progress in addressing AI regulation, citing Bill C-25, which amends the Canada Elections Act to hold parties and candidates accountable for AI usage. Despite these developments, she stressed the need for clearer guidelines and oversight to safeguard against misinformation and misuse of AI-generated content in election campaigns.
Residents in Sudbury have voiced concerns over the potential impact of AI-driven ads, with some apprehensive about the blurring lines between truth and falsehood, especially among younger generations. While critics caution against unchecked AI adoption in politics, Johnston defended his innovative approach, emphasizing the positivity and novelty his AI-generated signs bring to the community.
Looking ahead, Lawlor cautioned that without proper regulations, future election cycles could become a “wild west” of information dissemination, underscoring the imperative for government intervention to establish clarity and accountability in the use of AI. Johnston, the trailblazer in using AI for campaign ads in Sudbury, acknowledged the evolving landscape and indicated openness to future adjustments based on emerging regulations.