An AI Video Targets Rep. Balint — and Spurs Debate About the Tech in Campaigns - Seven Days Vermont

In July 2024, an AI-generated video surfaced online depicting U.S. Representative Becca Balint making derogatory statements, sparking a debate regarding the use of synthetic media in political campaigns. The video, shared by a social media account known as Planet Hank, features AI-synthesized likenesses of Balint and Republican primary candidate Mark Coester.

What happened

The video depicts an AI-generated version of Balint standing in front of the Vermont Statehouse, falsely attributing arrogant remarks to her regarding state policies. In the clip, a digital likeness of Coester confronts the AI-generated Balint, ultimately placing her into a dumpster using a backhoe. The content was not labeled as a political advertisement and provided no information identifying its creator.

Rep. Balint denounced the video, labeling it a dangerous attempt to deceive voters through the unauthorized fabrication of her voice and image. She cited the incident as evidence for the necessity of the federal NO FAKES Act, which aims to provide protections against unauthorized AI replicas. Mark Coester, who shared the video on social media, stated he did not create the content but praised it as satire.

Legal experts and legislators have debated the applicability of Vermont’s recent law requiring disclosure for AI-manipulated political advertisements. While the law mandates transparency for ads run within 90 days of an election, it includes exemptions for satire and parody. Coester argued that because the video is not a formal political ad and he is running for federal office, the state law does not apply to him. Rep. Matt Birong, who worked on the legislation, disputed this characterization, calling the video an example of the irresponsible content the law was intended to address. The Vermont Attorney General’s office has declined to comment on the matter.