New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to pursue legislation that would restrict the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in political campaigns, aiming to prevent misleading content that could influence voters. Hochul intends to present the proposal during her State of the State address on Tuesday.
The legislation would prohibit campaigns from creating or distributing AI-generated images of candidates without their consent, particularly in the 90 days preceding an election. It would also bar the deliberate dissemination of false information regarding election dates or procedures. Individuals or groups could take legal action if they encounter content that violates the proposed rules.
Hochul emphasized that “it’s easier than ever for bad actors to spread misinformation in critical moments, including those that can decide elections,” highlighting the need for stronger standards on AI use in political campaigns.
State law currently requires campaigns to disclose AI use but does not restrict its deployment. Hochul’s initiative seeks to create enforceable standards to prevent the misuse of AI in political settings while expanding broader protections for voters.
