AI-generated Brad Cohen stars in new PAC’s ads - New Jersey Globe

A PAC supporting East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen's campaign for Congress has begun running ads featuring an AI-generated version of the candidate. The ads, which cost $41,000, include both deepfaked footage of Cohen and AI-generated dialogue.

What happened

The PAC, called Voice of the Electorate (VOTE), created ads composed almost entirely of AI-generated imagery and dialogue. One ad features "AI-Cohen" stating the need to understand people's problems. The ad also includes genuine videos of Cohen, AI-generated stock footage, and an AI voiceover praising Cohen's efforts to lower taxes. A small tag at the end of the ads discloses the use of AI. The Cohen campaign stated they had no knowledge of the group or its motives. VOTE claims to have spent the past 40 years uncovering how people's beliefs drive their behaviors, but no candidate or company other than Cohen is mentioned on the site.