Lawmakers debate AI oversight in elections amid transparency concerns.

Lawmakers discuss measures to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in electoral campaigns during a House public hearing.

By THE STAR STAFF

The House of Representatives’ Government Committee, chaired by Representative Víctor Parés Otero, evaluated measures aimed at addressing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in electoral campaigns. 

During a public hearing, House Bill 877 and Senate Bill 101 were analyzed, both focused on increasing transparency and oversight of the use of this technology in political propaganda.

The electoral comptroller, Walter Torres Martínez, warned that House Bill 877 could face practical and legal difficulties. The measure proposes that if an electoral communication was created using AI without the authorization of a candidate or party, the candidate or party must submit a report to the Office of the Electoral Comptroller with a link to the content and a sworn statement indicating that they did not authorize the material.

Torres Martínez explained that this could represent a burden for candidates. “Project 877 proposes that when a communication for electoral purposes has been created using AI without authorization… a report must be submitted to the Electoral Comptroller,” he stated. He added that the requirement could involve certifying facts that the candidate does not directly know and that the process does not address the immediate impact of false content during a campaign.

However, the official acknowledged the importance of discussing the issue. “If you want me to be honest… I understand that this is a necessary project… because the measure addresses a problem we are already experiencing and that will continue to grow,” he stated.

For his part, the executive director of Puerto Rico Innovation & Technology Services (PRITS), Poincaré Díaz Peña, explained that the project seeks to address risks associated with the dissemination of AI-generated material in electoral processes. However, he noted that the measure does not regulate the development of the technology nor establish clear criteria for its application in the electoral context.

Furthermore, he recommended reviewing whether candidates are responsible for reporting false content created by third parties. “It’s important to consider… whether it’s appropriate to shift the burden of reporting false content onto the candidate,” he stated.

Regarding Senate Bill 101, Díaz Peña indicated that it could help mitigate the risks of generative AI in the electoral context. “Transparency regulations… can help voters become aware of the nature of the messages they receive,” he noted.

The State Elections Commission recommended aligning any regulations with the powers of the Office of the Election Comptroller and consulting the Department of Justice regarding potential criminal implications. Participating legislators agreed on the need to continue evaluating the issue to regulate the use of artificial intelligence without infringing on constitutional rights such as freedom of expression.