Australian political parties are increasingly using AI-generated content in their campaign materials, raising concerns about misinformation and the need for regulatory action. One Nation reportedly featured an AI-generated campaign video at its Victorian campaign launch over the weekend. The video depicted various racist tropes, including a man appearing to be African brandishing a machete and an apparently Middle Eastern man with an explosive vest.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) currently has no power to act on this type of online content, as its remit does not extend to it. Electoral commissions can only regulate misinformation concerning the electoral process itself, not false or distasteful content. The federal Labor government has not yet acted on calls to ban AI-generated content during election periods, despite working to legislate around AI-related harms this year.
Other instances of AI use in Australian politics include a Victorian AI ad from conservative campaign group Advance, and a Liberal MP posting a fake image of Anthony Albanese. Professor Terry Flew of the Centre for AI Trust and Governance recommended that the government consider prohibiting AI-generated deepfakes during election periods, warning of their potential to erode public trust.