Janice R. Andrews
The political consultant who was behind the recent robocalls posing as Joe Biden, Steve Kramer, has come forward to say that his actions were not intended to influence the outcome of the New Hampshire primary but rather to increase public awareness of the possible risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI).
In an open interview, Kramer revealed that he hired a street magician in New Orleans to create the recorded message, which resembled Biden’s voice and claimed that votes cast in the primary would have an impact on votes cast in November. Kramer, who is well-known for his work on voter outreach initiatives, expressed worry about the improper application of artificial intelligence in political campaigns, which led him to take an unusual way to garner national attention.
Despite being under investigation by New Hampshire authorities for possible voting suppression, Kramer stood by his acts, pointing to Biden’s primary win as proof against attempts to limit participation. Despite working with a Democratic presidential candidate, Kramer insisted he took independent action to raise awareness of the dangers associated with AI.
Kramer highlighted his unilateral decision-making by claiming the Texas corporations involved were uninformed of his objectives during the issuance of cease and desist orders. His concern with the tardy regulatory response to the use of AI in elections led him to make a personal resolution to address the matter in the new year.
While acknowledging the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) demand, Kramer said he was willing to comply and urged officials to speak with him. He highlighted the recent FCC actions and tech companies’ voluntary steps taken in response to robocalls in order to highlight the urgent need for comprehensive AI regulation.
Major internet companies have pledged preventive steps in response to Congress’s renewed bipartisan efforts to regulate artificial intelligence in political campaigns, sparked by Kramer’s actions. Notwithstanding possible commercial consequences, Kramer is unwavering in his conviction that he behaved morally.
Kramer’s revelation highlights the need for quick regulatory action to protect democratic processes from technological manipulation as worries about AI’s influence on elections grow.
