California Attorney General Warns Social Media and AI Giants Against Election Interference
OAKLAND, Calif. – In a stern letter addressed to eight leading technology companies, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a stark reminder of the state’s unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of its elections. The letter, sent to Alphabet Inc., Meta Platforms, Inc., Microsoft, Inc., Open AI, Inc., Reddit Inc., TikTok Inc., X Corp., and YouTube, Inc., serves as a preemptive warning against the potential misuse of their platforms for voter intimidation, deception, and the spread of misinformation, particularly in the lead-up to elections. Bonta emphasized that existing California laws prohibiting such activities apply equally to content generated by both human users and artificial intelligence.
Bonta’s letter highlights the growing concerns surrounding the proliferation of false and misleading information online, particularly on social media platforms, which have become primary sources of information for many voters. He underscored the significant reach of these platforms, enabling rapid dissemination of misinformation to vast audiences, potentially influencing election outcomes. Furthermore, the rapid advancement of generative AI technology presents a new frontier in the battle against election manipulation, as it empowers individuals to create increasingly sophisticated and convincing deceptive content.
The Attorney General pointed to a concrete example of AI-powered voter manipulation: the automated voice messages impersonating President Biden, which targeted New Hampshire voters during the 2024 primary. These calls attempted to dissuade voters from participating, claiming their votes wouldn’t "make a difference." This incident underscores the potential for malicious actors to leverage AI to undermine democratic processes, a threat Bonta’s letter aims to address proactively. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting the ease with which such tactics can be deployed and the potential for widespread impact.
Adding to the complexity of the issue, Bonta noted the troubling trend of relaxed content moderation policies on several social media platforms. The reduction or elimination of safeguards, coupled with decreased resources allocated to enforcement, creates a fertile ground for the spread of misinformation and malicious content. This erosion of protective measures, he argued, necessitates greater vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement and technology companies to mitigate the risks.
Bonta’s letter emphasizes the California Department of Justice’s readiness to collaborate with these companies, utilizing available tools to identify, prevent, and report instances of intentional interference with voting rights. He called for proactive measures to detect and address violations of state law, both through user activity on social media platforms and through the use of AI. This collaborative approach, he stressed, is crucial to safeguarding the democratic process from manipulation and ensuring voters have access to accurate and reliable information.
The Attorney General’s letter is the latest in a series of actions demonstrating his commitment to protecting voting rights. He has consistently challenged measures perceived as restrictive or discriminatory, including filing lawsuits against Fresno County and Huntington Beach over changes to election procedures. Furthermore, he has actively participated in multi-state efforts to combat election interference, joining coalitions of attorneys general to address issues like scam robocalls and discriminatory voting laws. This consistent record underscores his dedication to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring all Californians can exercise their right to vote freely and fairly.
The letter serves as a call to action for social media and AI companies, urging them to recognize their role in upholding the integrity of elections. By working together, Bonta believes, law enforcement and the tech industry can effectively combat the spread of misinformation and protect the democratic process from manipulation in the digital age.