During a recent government meeting, representatives from the Ohio Association of Broadcasters (OAB) expressed their support for House Bill 367, which aims to combat the misuse of malicious technology, particularly generative artificial intelligence (AI), in spreading misinformation. The OAB, representing over 400 local radio and television stations, emphasized the critical role these media outlets play in serving the public interest and maintaining trust within Ohio's communities.

The discussion highlighted the increasing challenges broadcasters face due to the rise of generative AI, which can distort news reporting and mislead the public. OAB officials underscored that while they support the bill's intent to mitigate misinformation, it is essential that the legislation does not impose undue burdens on broadcasters, who are already bound by strict federal regulations regarding political advertising.

Under current federal law, broadcasters cannot censor or modify advertisements from legally qualified candidates, which complicates their ability to reject misleading ads, especially those utilizing AI-generated deep fakes. The OAB pointed out that malicious deep fakes are often designed to evade detection, making it unreasonable to hold broadcasters liable for inadvertently airing such content.

The meeting also noted that several states, including Wisconsin, Colorado, and California, have enacted similar provisions to protect broadcasters from liability in these situations. The OAB's support for the proposed amendment to HB 367 reflects a broader movement to ensure that efforts to curb misinformation do not inadvertently penalize those committed to delivering accurate and trustworthy journalism.

In conclusion, the OAB reiterated its commitment to fighting misinformation while advocating for a balanced approach that recognizes the existing legal frameworks governing broadcasters and their vital role in promoting free and fair elections.