A letter issued by California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, on September 11, 2024, addresses leading social media and AI companies like TikTok and Meta, to highlight the ongoing challenges of voter deception and misinformation as the 2024 presidential election approaches. One of Rob Bonta’s biggest concerns is that these platforms continue to distribute election-related content, many which are being misused to spread false information about voting, which is prohibited under California laws covering election communications such as social media posts and AI-generated content (California Department of Justice 2024).
Despite efforts to moderate harmful content, the rise of generative AI has made it easier to create deceptive media, from manipulated videos to AI-generated voice impersonations. No matter what side you vote for, this raises serious concerns, not just for voters, but also for professionals, including attorneys, who rely on accurate and trustworthy information to navigate complex legal landscapes.
For attorneys, this problem has broader implications. With AI being used to manipulate public perception, legal professionals must stay vigilant about the potential spread of misinformation in their own areas of practice. Whether it’s client communication, media strategies, or courtroom evidence, attorneys may face new challenges related to the authenticity of information. Not only that, but it is crucial that if anyone is using AI in any shape or form, that you do proper research and take extra precautions to ensure that your content remains free of any misinformation.
As AI evolves, its influence on social media and beyond will continue to shape the legal space, so attorneys need to understand the risks and proactively address the potential fallout for their clients and practice. However, don’t let this scare you away from AI services and products, remember that the Internet has always had issues with unreliable sources of information, this is just another obstacle we have to navigate. These concerns just mean you need to stay extra vigilant on trustworthy sources, while contributing to providing a trustworthy digital space with correct information for everyone.