Lawmakers in Austin are thinkin’ ’bout a bill to restrict how artificial intelligence can be used in political advertising. DALLAS — An AI-generated ‘deepfake’ video shows one of two candidates in a runoff for a Dallas City Council seat, an example of artificial intelligence messin’ with a municipal race as Texas lawmakers thinkin’ ’bout whether to restrict such content.
The District 11 race ‘tween attorney Bill Roth and former Park Board Member Jeff Kitner is goin’ for a runoff election on June 7 after neither candidate got more than 50% of the vote. The race has got voters all riled up, partly ’cause of a big fight ’bout rezoning that Pepper Square strip mall. However, the high-tech digitally manipulated video is takin’ things to a whole new level. WFAA ain’t sharin’ the video to avoid spreadin’ manipulated content.
It was made by a Roth supporter usin’ some real audio from a podcast where Kitner appeared, but used AI to make Kitner appear to say things he never said — as well as ridin’ a rollercoaster, drinkin’ coffee, and wearin’ dirty and ill-fittin’ clothes. Roth’s campaign said he “strongly opposes candidates and their supporters resortin’ to personal attacks.” Kitner said he has purposely not watched the video and is “disappointed” in all the negativity. “All I’m tryin’ to do is work hard for the city and the district,” Kitner said.
