Photo by Dima Solomin on Unsplash
Meta Bans Political Use of Generative AI in Advertising
November 7, 2023
Meta Platforms, the parent company of social media giant Facebook, has announced a significant policy change regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in political advertising. The decision, which comes amidst ongoing discussions about the role of AI-generated content in political discourse, aims to strike a balance between innovation and responsible advertising practices.
In October, Meta started rolling out generative AI tools for all advertisers “that can create content like image backgrounds and variations of written text.” However, on Monday, Reuters reported that Meta will prohibit political advertisers and “advertisers in other regulated industries” from utilizing these generative AI tools for their campaigns.
Specifically, Meta has banned “misleading AI-generated video in all content, including organic non-paid posts, with an exception for parody or satire.”
This move, which Meta announced publicly in an update to its help center, is in response to concerns about the potential misuse and manipulation of AI-generated content in the political sphere. By imposing this restriction, Meta aims to safeguard the integrity of political advertising on its platforms and avoid the “spread of election misinformation.”
In a note explaining how its generative AI tools work, Meta said, “As we continue to test new Generative AI ads creation tools in Ads Manager, advertisers running campaigns that qualify as ads for Housing, Employment or Credit or Social Issues, Elections, or Politics, or related to Health, Pharmaceuticals or Financial Services aren’t currently permitted to use these Generative AI features.”
Generative AI has gained traction in recent years for its potential to create text, images, and videos. While this technology offers exciting possibilities for creative content production, it also raises concerns about authenticity and the potential for misinformation.
“We believe this approach will allow us to better understand potential risks and build the right safeguards for the use of Generative AI in ads that relate to potentially sensitive topics in regulated industries,” Meta said in its note.
With the U.S. presidential election nearing, many people are concerned that fake news shared through AI on social media could impact voter sentiment. Meta’s decision to ban the use of generative AI in political advertising reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining a trustworthy and transparent advertising ecosystem.
Recent News
McDonald’s Might Relaunch $5 Meal Deals
McDonald’s is gearing up to launch a $5 meal deal in the US, aiming to attract cost-conscious consumers back into its stores. The proposed deal may include a McChicken or a McDouble, accompanied by fries and a drink.
US Plans Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles
The Biden administration intends to announce new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), possibly reaching 100%, along with additional import taxes on various Chinese goods, including semiconductors. This move aims to safeguard American manufacturing interests, amidst concerns that China’s competitive pricing may undermine US efforts to boost domestic clean energy production.
Columbus Walmart Shutdown Sparks Equipment Auction
A Walmart store in Columbus, Ohio, ceased operations due to underperformance and is now auctioning off its remaining retail equipment and merchandise. Located at 3579 S. High St., the store closed its doors in February, prompting a liquidation auction scheduled for Friday.
Lucid’s Anticipated Mid-Size EV SUV: Earth
Lucid Motors is on the brink of unveiling its latest addition to the electric vehicle market: a mid-size SUV priced below $50,000. This upcoming model, potentially named “Earth,” has garnered attention following trademark filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), including “Earth Dream Edition” for a top-tier trim.