CNN 5 Things CNN 5 Things

In 2026, You Can’t Spell ‘Campaign Ads’ Without AI

Oct 5, 2026 · 14m

Summary

CNN’s Frederica Skouten reports on the surge of AI-generated political ads in the 2024 midterms, noting that over $54 million was spent on such content, with half lacking required disclosures. The segment highlights deceptive ads targeting candidates like John Ossoff, James Tallarico, and Abdul El-Sayed, which use realistic imagery to mock or misrepresent their views. While Maryland, Minnesota, and Texas have enacted bans on deepfake ads, federal regulation remains stalled, leaving states to lead in curbing this technology. Experts warn that although current laws have limited the most decep…

Topics discussed

State laws limiting deceptive AI ads White House campaign-style ads and public outrage Introduction to AI-generated content in elections Spending on AI ads and lack of disclosure Examples of AI ads: Ossoff makeup parody Texas race: AI ad targeting James Tallarico Michigan race: AI ad targeting Abdul El-Sayed Impact on primaries: Thomas Massie case Candidate responses to AI deepfake ads Promo: Anderson Cooper's All There Is podcast Why AI ads are more effective than traditional ads State bans on deepfakes and federal inaction Public concern and cost-saving uses of AI Effectiveness of current state laws Sign-off and CNN All Access promotion Promo: I Got News For Your Ears podcast
Listen ad-free on Castria