Rand Paul Blocks AI Kill-Switch Bill as 71% Worry Deepfakes Could Sway Elections
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 30
Rand Paul Blocks AI Kill-Switch Bill as 71% Worry Deepfakes Could Sway Elections
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 30
Summary
Rand Paul blocked a Senate bill from John Kennedy that would have required AI companies to build a “kill switch” for rogue AI, arguing the proposal was premature without more industry input.
71% of respondents in a June Rad Campaign-Women Who Tech poll said they worry AI deepfakes and disinformation could affect elections, while about two-thirds were concerned about AI being used to sexualize women.
Georgia mayor Bianca Motley Broom said a fake image showing her kissing another man spread widely on Facebook before debunks caught up, underscoring how quickly AI-generated smears can travel.
Raphael Warnock said fabricated images have falsely shown him with health problems, grandchildren he does not have and even a full head of hair, as Senate Democrats game out election-interference scenarios driven by AI media.
States are moving unevenly: Tennessee has likeness protections and most states require disclaimers for AI-altered campaign content, but Georgia still lacks a deepfake law after bills proposed in 2024 and 2025.