A telecom company in New Hampshire has been fined after sending out “deepfake” calls to voters during President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. The company, known as Pictures for Progress, was hit with a penalty by the state’s attorney general’s office earlier this week.
The controversial calls featured a digitally altered voice that appeared to be President Biden himself, making statements that he had not actually said. This tactic, known as a deepfake, is a form of online manipulation that raises concerns about its potential to deceive the public.
The calls were made to voters in New Hampshire during the presidential campaign, and some recipients reported feeling confused and misled by the fake messages. Pictures for Progress has since admitted to creating the calls, but maintains that they were meant to be a form of political satire.
While the company has been fined for violating state laws governing political advertising, critics argue that the penalty is not severe enough. Some believe that stronger measures should be taken to address the growing issue of deepfake technology and its potential impact on elections.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by modern technology in the realm of political communication. As deepfake technology continues to advance, it becomes increasingly important for regulators and lawmakers to address the potential threats it poses to the democratic process.
In response to the fine, Pictures for Progress has expressed regret for their actions and pledged to cooperate with the attorney general’s office. The company has also committed to compliance with state regulations moving forward.
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