The Vital Need for Generative AI Regulation: Fighting Automated Propaganda

More and more, we are experiencing the effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the internet, through social media platforms meant to influence us to do what they want. You have probably experienced this in advertising, for example. But it can be used in bad ways too, such as; it is being used by governments and corporations to influence. This influence can sway elections, undermining public trust. Generative AI allows bad actors to create convincing synthetic media (deepfakes) using automated propaganda. It has become of vital interest that this type of generative AI be regulated to prevent these bad actors from destroying the fabric of democracy.

First, what is Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

According to Geeks for Geeks, “Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is a type of AI that learns patterns from existing data to create brand-new, original content—such as text, images, videos, audio, and computer code—in response to user prompts.” Source: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/artificial-intelligence/what-is-generative-ai/

Bad Actors Exploiting Generative AI

“The primary bad actors exploiting generative AI to erode public trust include state-sponsored intelligence groups, transnational cybercriminals, and partisan political operatives. These groups use hyper-realistic deepfakes, automated bot networks, and synthetic media to bypass security controls, hijack democratic processes, and mass-produce targeted propaganda.” [1]

Bad Actors Weaponizing Generative AI

Foreign intelligence agencies and state-affiliated groups use AI to generate and translate disinformation campaigns rapidly. These agencies want to polarize societies, interfere with elections, and amplify their talking points across Western democracies. Researchers have found these agencies using Generative AI to flood the internet with convincing fake journalism. Watch the following video.

“The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into digital communication platforms has significantly transformed the landscape of information dissemination. Recent evidence indicates that AI-enabled tools, particularly generative models and engagement-optimization algorithms, play a central role in the production and amplification of disinformation. This phenomenon poses a direct challenge to democratic processes, as algorithmically amplified falsehoods systematically distort political information environments, erode public trust in institutions, and foster polarization – conditions that degrade democratic decision-making. The regulatory asymmetry between traditional media – historically subject to public oversight – and digital platforms exacerbates these vulnerabilities.” [2]

It has become of vital interest that this type of generative AI be regulated.

Senator Bernie Sanders (D), Vermont, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D), New York, want generative AI regulated to protect workers, consumers, and communities from the unchecked power and resource consumption of Big Tech. Together, they introduced the AI Data Center Moratorium Act to temporarily halt the construction of large AI data centers until binding national safeguards are in place.

Further, Sanders and Cortez state that generative AI is built upon the collective knowledge, labor, and creativity of the public, rather than solely the intellectual property of tech companies. They want to address this. Sanders proposed legislation for a sovereign wealth fund financed by taxing Big Tech, which would give the public 50% equity in major AI companies and a direct role in corporate decision-making.

Some of Sanders’ and Cortez’s core reasons for regulation include the following

They want rules to protect the working class from automation, citing projections that AI could disrupt or eliminate nearly 100 million jobs in the coming years without alternative employment for workers.

Massive AI data centers require staggering amounts of electricity and water. The lawmakers want to ensure that everyday Americans are not footing the bill through spiked utility rates and strained local power grids.

Massive AI data centers require staggering amounts of electricity and water. The lawmakers want to ensure that everyday Americans are not footing the bill through spiked utility rates and strained local power grids.

They are advocating for government review of AI products before release to prevent abuses, such as mass surveillance or AI-generated non-consensual imagery (deepfakes)

Learn more: AI Data Center Moratorium Act

In conclusion, we must regulate Generative AI. Their influence can sway elections, undermining public trust. Generative AI allows bad actors to create convincing synthetic media (deepfakes) using automated propaganda. It has become of vital interest that this type of generative AI be regulated to prevent these bad actors from destroying the fabric of democracy.

Take Action to support Representative Ocasio-Cortez, who introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Moratorium Act

To contact your U.S. Representative, find your specific member by entering your address on the Congress.gov Find Your Member page or by using your ZIP code on the House.gov Find Your Representative directory.

Resources

[1] Source: Weaponized AI: A New Era of Threats and How We Can Counter It, April 3, 2025, Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation Fellow Dr. Shlomit Wagman lays out a framework to address the threats artificial intelligence poses to global security and democratic institutions. Harvard Kennedy School, Ash Center, for Democratic Governance and Innovation: https://ash.harvard.edu/articles/weaponized-ai-a-new-era-of-threats/

[2] Source: AI-driven disinformation: policy recommendations for democratic resilience. National Library of Medicine Alexander Romanishyn ^1,*, Olena Malytska ¹, Vitaliy Goncharuk ¹ PMCID: PMC12351547  PMID: 40821951

Rachel Tilseth is a Menomonie, Wisconsin-based environmental writer, filmmaker, and owner of Wolves of Douglas County WI Films & Media. Lead writer at The Red Cedar Watershed Ledger. Her work explores the intricate relationships between humans, wildlife, and local ecosystems.

Jan O’Neill-editor at large. Jan edits the blog for grammatical accuracy and contributes story ideas.

Given Jan’s extensive 45-year nursing background, protecting the health and well-being of the Menomonie area has been her life’s work. With deep local roots in the Red Cedar River Watershed, she views environmental conservation as a natural extension of public health. Jan is dedicated to halting the proposed mega data center to preserve the community’s natural resources, advocating instead for sustainable, community-driven economic development that protects the long-term quality of our watershed.

The Red Cedar Watershed Ledger is based in Menomonie, Wisconsin, in the historic Red Cedar Basin.

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