A magician from New Orleans has come forward claiming that he was paid to create an AI-generated voice of Joe Biden, which was used in voter suppression robocalls targeting New Hampshire voters. The magician, Paul Carpenter, stated that he was hired by Steve Kramer, a Democratic consultant who previously worked on ballot access for presidential candidate Dean Phillips. Carpenter said he had no knowledge of how the audio would be distributed and had no malicious intent.
Carpenter revealed that he was able to create the AI-generated audio in less than 20 minutes using Eleven Labs. Surprisingly, it cost him only $1 to make the audio, and in return, Kramer paid him $120 via Venmo. However, Carpenter emphasized that he was only responsible for creating the audio and did not distribute it.
The robocalls, which urged New Hampshire voters not to vote in the primary election, are currently under investigation in multiple states. The attorney general’s office in New Hampshire recently identified the alleged source of the robocalls as a Texas-based company called Life Corporation and an individual named Walter Monk.
The revelation by Carpenter has raised several ethical and legal questions. The incident highlights the potential for AI technology to be misused in political campaigns and elections. As AI continues to advance, it is crucial to establish regulations and oversight to prevent the manipulation of voices and disseminating false information.
This incident also exposes vulnerabilities in the electoral process, particularly regarding voter suppression. While the robocalls in question were eventually identified as fake, they undoubtedly impacted some voters’ confidence and might have discouraged them from participating in the primary election. It is essential for authorities to strengthen security measures to safeguard the integrity of elections and protect voters’ rights.
The involvement of a Democratic consultant in this incident raises concerns regarding the potential exploitation of AI-generated content across political parties. The use of AI voices might become a common tool in campaigns, creating a new realm of disinformation and manipulation. The incident serves as a reminder for political candidates and parties to remain vigilant and ensure the authenticity of any campaign materials.
Looking to the future, it is likely that AI technology will continue to advance rapidly, both in terms of voice replication and its potential applications in various industries. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between innovation and ethical considerations. The responsible and ethical use of AI should be at the forefront of technological development.
In conclusion, the recent revelation of AI-generated voices being used in voter suppression robocalls highlights the need for greater regulation and oversight in the use of AI technology in political campaigns. It also underscores the importance of securing the electoral process and protecting the rights of voters. Moving forward, it is essential for companies, political parties, and authorities to establish guidelines and ethical frameworks to prevent the misuse of AI-generated content and protect democracy.
