Flanagan criticizes attack ad which claims include an AI deepfake - The Mighty 790 KFGO

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor and DFL U.S. Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan is challenging an attack ad released by the North Star Dawn PAC, claiming the content features an AI-generated deepfake of her likeness. The controversy highlights ongoing legal and ethical debates surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in political campaigning.

What happened

The contested advertisement displays a manipulated image of Flanagan depicted with her hand extended in front of a pile of money. Flanagan’s campaign has raised concerns regarding the legality of this imagery under Minnesota law, which prohibits the use of AI deepfakes within 90 days of an election. While the general election is 152 days away, the DFL primary is scheduled for 68 days out, complicating the timeline for potential legal intervention.

Political analysts suggest the situation underscores the difficulty in defining what constitutes a deepfake versus traditional caricature or digital manipulation. While some argue that a true deepfake involves the synthesis of a candidate's voice to generate false statements, others point to the broader use of AI-driven animation techniques. The debate has drawn in other political figures, including Congresswoman Angie Craig, who has co-sponsored legislation to prohibit deepfakes while simultaneously dismissing the Lt. Governor’s complaints as a distraction from campaign finance issues. As the state navigates its first election cycle significantly impacted by AI, the incident serves as a focal point for discussions on the definition, regulation, and political utility of generative technologies.