Wisconsin Rep. Clinton Anderson, D-Beloit, is currently working on a bill that mirrors a Washington law. The proposed legislation aims to ensure transparency in campaign ads by requiring disclosure of the use of artificial intelligence (AI). This comes as Wisconsin prepares for the 2024 election and faces the challenge of generative AI, which can quickly generate fundraising emails, campaign graphics, and even lifelike videos. Despite the potential threats to elections, Wisconsin lawmakers have yet to take official steps to regulate AI in campaigning. However, Rep. Anderson is drafting a bill that would mandate disclosure of AI, or "synthetic media, " in political ads, acknowledging the need for transparency in campaigns. Experts warn about the accessibility of AI technology, which allows for the creation of deceptive content at a fraction of the cost previously seen in 2016.

The use of AI in campaigns can lead to micro-targeting of voters and the faster production of persuasive communications. Additionally, AI's accessibility means it can be employed not just by well-funded campaigns or interest groups, but also by outside actors seeking to deceive or influence voters through deepfakes, tailored chatbots, or widespread social media posts. Election disinformation deployed through AI can be particularly concerning due to its ability to sway voters just before an election, with little chance for recourse after the fact. While AI is manageable in theory, the rapid development of technology has outpaced the establishment of comprehensive structures to regulate it. Wisconsin could take initial steps toward transparency by following Washington state's example and passing a law requiring clear disclaimers about the use of AI in political ads. A similar bill addressing federal elections has been introduced in Congress. Some lawmakers believe Wisconsin should go beyond mandating disclosure and also address concerns about disinformation originating from actors outside of organized campaigns and political parties. They stress the need for a global debate on the regulation and deployment of AI, comparing it to the urgency of addressing nuclear power in the past.