Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, including the political landscape. As we approach the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the use of AI in political campaigns has become a crucial element for candidates, influencing how they engage with voters, streamline operations, and shape their policies.
Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have outlined distinct approaches to AI governance that could significantly affect the future of AI’s role in politics. Their differing views on using AI in political campaigns could reshape not only how elections are run but also how AI is regulated across industries.
As these technologies evolve, the role of AI in Politics continues to expand, shaping the way elections are conducted and policies are formed.
Use of AI in Political Campaigns: A Dividing Factor in 2024
The use of AI in political campaigns has become a key part of modern elections. Candidates use AI to target voters, deliver messages, and even analyze people’s opinions.
According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted last month, concern about AI’s role in elections plagues both Republicans and Democrats. The survey found that many voters are worried about AI being used to influence election outcomes.
An earlier poll also revealed that people are wary of the increasing power social media and Big Tech companies have over their lives. As AI continues to improve quickly, the 2024 election could set the direction for how AI will be regulated in the future.
Kamala Harris wants to build on the current AI policies, expanding the Biden administration’s executive orders. On the other hand, Donald Trump is proposing less regulation and allowing more freedom for businesses to innovate without too much government control.
Both candidates’ ideas on using AI in political campaigns reflect their broader plans for how technology shapes the future.
Kamala Harris: AI Oversight and Innovation
Kamala Harris has made it clear that she supports stronger oversight of AI. She believes the use of AI in political campaigns needs to be ethical and transparent. Harris plans to continue Biden’s 2023 executive order, which sets guidelines for managing AI risks, protecting data privacy, and using AI ethically.
This executive order was created to protect consumers, prevent bias, and ensure that AI is used fairly and responsibly.
“Harris represents stability and a measured approach to AI governance, with a focus on expanding the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource.”
— Russell Newman, associate professor at Emerson College.
Harris’s AI governance strategy aligns with a broader executive order in 2021 initiated during Biden’s administration. The 2021 executive order targeted Big Tech companies like Meta and Amazon, ensuring they follow fair competition practices and protect consumer data.
Harris is expected to continue this balanced approach, ensuring AI innovation remains in check while addressing overreach by large platforms.
Additionally, Harris’s vision includes expanding the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR), which helps developers innovate responsibly. This initiative helps researchers and developers by providing resources. Thus, they must innovate with AI while keeping it safe and fair.
According to the North Dakota Monitor, Harris’s plan includes “inclusive AI governance.” This means making sure that AI is used in a way that protects vulnerable communities while promoting technological progress.
Harris’s approach is similar to the CHIPS and Science Act, which boosts 2022 manufacturing of important technologies, like semiconductors, which are crucial for AI development.
Donald Trump: A Hands-Off Approach to AI Governance
Donald Trump takes a different approach to AI, favoring less government control and more freedom for businesses. Trump’s platform includes repealing Biden’s AI executive order and replacing it with a strategy focused on “free speech and human flourishing.”
His vision for the use of AI in political campaigns is rooted in his belief that businesses should be allowed to innovate without too much government oversight.
Electric Vehicle Challenge Rollback and Big Tech Focus
In addition to AI deregulation, Trump’s platform would likely roll back other protections introduced during the Biden administration. For example, the Electric Vehicle Challenge aims to make all new vehicle sales electric by 2030.
He also focuses heavily on what he calls “illegal censorship” by Big Tech companies like Twitter (now X) before it was bought by Elon Musk, one of Trump’s most vocal supporters.
“The repeal of Biden’s executive order could lead to an era where businesses have more leeway in AI development, potentially allowing tech companies to innovate without government interference.”
— Jennifer Everett, Alston & Bird technology and privacy group.
By reducing government regulations, Trump believes the U.S. could see faster innovation and more investment in AI startups. His approach focuses on allowing businesses to use AI freely without the strict guidelines that could slow down their progress.
This approach could accelerate innovation and drive more investment into AI Political Strategy, providing AI in political campaigns with new opportunities.
However, critics worry that there is a greater risk of AI misuse without adequate oversight, especially in political contexts where biases or privacy violations could occur.
“While a Republican administration might encourage investment in AI, it could come at the cost of consumer protections,”
— Bobby Malhotra, AI strategy expert at Winston & Strawn.
Trump’s policies may lead to faster AI development, but they also come with risks. Without sufficient regulation, AI may be used in ways that harm consumers or spread AI Election Misinformation 2024, impacting not only AI in Elections but also public trust in technology.
The Business Perspective: AI Regulation and Its Impact
The use of AI in political campaigns not only affects politics but also has a big impact on businesses, especially those in tech. A study from the IBM Institute for Business Value shows that over 40% of business leaders are worried about how AI regulations could affect their long-term strategies.
The outcome of the 2024 election will either bring clarity or create more uncertainty for companies relying on AI. The image below from an IBM Institute for Business Value report highlights the growing importance of technology and AI in driving business success.
If Kamala Harris is elected, businesses will need to prepare for stricter rules about how they use AI. Her policies would likely focus on AI ethics, data protection, and ensuring that AI is used fairly.
Harris’s policies would continue working with tech companies to ensure that AI is safe for everyone. AI and Elections could continue to be governed by careful oversight to prevent issues like disinformation in election 2024 and safeguard consumer rights.
If Donald Trump wins, there would likely be fewer regulations, which could give tech companies more freedom to innovate. However, this could also lead to risks, especially in industries like finance or healthcare, where the misuse of AI could cause serious harm.
Challenges in AI Regulation: What Lies Ahead
As AI evolves, both Harris and Trump face challenges in creating policies that strike the right balance between innovation and safety. For Kamala Harris, the challenge will be to make sure AI is used ethically in political campaigns without slowing down technological progress.
Her focus on inclusive AI governance could help underrepresented communities but may slow the adoption of new technologies for businesses.
For Donald Trump, the challenge is managing the risks that come with less regulation. While his policies could speed up AI innovation, they might also allow AI to be misused, especially in political campaigns, political deepfakes, and election interference where there’s a high risk of spreading misinformation.
Explore More Insights
- AI Misuse in 2024 Elections: Learn about the potential risks and misuse of AI during the 2024 elections.
- Create Political Deepfakes With Deepswap: Explore how political deepfakes can be created and their implications.
- Election Security: Discover the latest on AI’s role in securing elections in 2024.
- AI Chatbots in Politics: Explore the rise of AI chatbots and their role in modern political campaigns.
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Conclusion: The Future of AI in U.S. Politics
The use of AI in political campaigns has become a key issue in the 2024 election. Kamala Harris wants to regulate AI to ensure it’s used ethically and fairly, while Donald Trump prefers to let businesses develop AI with fewer government restrictions.
The outcome of this election will have a huge impact on how AI is used in the future, not just in politics but in many industries. Whether you support more regulations or prefer a hands-off approach, it’s clear that AI will play a big role in shaping the future of U.S. politics and beyond.
Businesses, voters, and tech leaders will need to stay informed as AI continues to evolve and influence many parts of our lives.
