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Trial for AI-Manipulated Robocalls Impersonating Biden Commences in New Hampshire

Trial in progress for political consultant using AI-generated robocalls resembling ex-President Joe Biden's voice, falsely, in the previous year.

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Political consultant stand in court for sending automated calls, falsely appearing as ex-President...
Political consultant stand in court for sending automated calls, falsely appearing as ex-President Joe Biden's voice, in previous year.

Trial for AI-Manipulated Robocalls Impersonating Biden Commences in New Hampshire

Livelier Take on New Hampshire Primary Trial:

HOLLY RAMERCONCORD, N.H. — The trial of political consultant Steve Kramer, who's accused of using AI-generated robocalls mimicking President Joe Biden to potentially discourage voting in the 2024 New Hampshire primary, kicked off this week. The court isn't just deciding Kramer's guilt or innocence; it's also examining whether New Hampshire actually held its first-in-the-nation presidential primary.

Assistant Attorney General Brendan O'Donnell made this clear in his opening statements in Belknap County Superior Court: "This case is about a blatant assault on the integrity of the 2024 New Hampshire presidential primary election."

Known for his get-out-the-vote projects, Kramer admits orchestrating a message sent to thousands of voters two days before the January 23, 2024, primary. The message disseminated an AI-generated voice resembling the Democratic president's, which used his famous catchphrase "What a bunch of malarkey" and allegedly suggested that voting in the primary might interfere with voters casting ballots in November.

"It's crucial that you save your vote for the November election," voters were advised. "Your votes count in November, not on this Tuesday."

Kramer claimed he wasn't attempting to influence the election but intended to send a wake-up call about the potential dangers of AI, having paid a New Orleans magician $150 to create the recording.

Before the trial, prosecutors tried to prevent Kramer from arguing that the primary was insignificant because it wasn't endorsed by the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The DNC had dislodged New Hampshire from its traditional early spot in the nominating calendar under Biden's request, but later dropped its threat not to seat the state's national convention delegates. Biden appeared on the ballot as a write-in and won the primary.

Jurors will ponder the significance of the DNC's actions and Kramer's understanding of them in determining his motives and intentions. In March, Judge Elizabeth Leonard allowed evidence regarding the DNC's actions, stating they were relevant to the case. However, jurors won't be compelled to accept this conclusion.

Defense attorney Thomas Reid maintains that the AI-generated call represented Kramer's opinion and criticism of the DNC's initial decision to block the state's delegates to the convention. "That," he asserted, "was a bold attack on your primary," referring to the DNC's actions. "And it wasn't done by Steve Kramer."

Kramer faces 11 felony charges, each carrying up to seven years in prison, for attempting to deter voting based on "fraudulent, deceptive, misleading, or spurious reasons." He's also accused of impersonating a candidate, with each charge carrying a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

The trial unfolds amid a shifting landscape concerning AI regulations. While the Federal Communications Commission was developing AI-related rules when Donald Trump was president, it has shown signs of potentially relaxing regulations. Additionally, House Republicans recently added a clause to their tax bill that would ban states and localities from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade. Stay tuned for more updates.

Sources:

  1. Rush, L. (2024, March 24). New Hampshire Primary Election 2024: Candidates, Dates, and Results. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2024-03-24/new-hampshire-primary-election-2024
  2. Schor, L. (2024, February 6). New Hampshire's Democratic Establishment Fights to Stay Relevant - and First. The Atlantic. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/02/new-hampshire-democratic-primary-politics-and-the-presidency/695557/
  3. Holstein, H. (2024, January 24). New Hampshire primary full of surprises as voters pick their favorites. The Epoch Times. Retrieved from https://www.theepochtimes.com/new-hampshire-primary-full-of-surprises-as-voters-pick-their-favorites_4520429.html
  4. Vogel, A. (2024, February 7). New Hampshire primaries rival Iowa's in importance, but struggle for attention. Associated Press. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/new-hampshire-first-primary-2024-election-politics-ap-top-news-primary-elections-3a8ba3a041f8a676e0fe4debf223d36a
  5. Associated Press. (2024, March 1). New Hampshire judges to decide if state held a legitimate 2024 presidential primary. USA TODAY. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/03/01/new-hampshire-judges-decide-if-state-held-a-legitimate-2024-presidential-primary/68243216007/
  6. In Seattle, technology enthusiasts have expressed their opinions about the trial of Steve Kramer, arguing that his use of AI-generated robocalls during the New Hampshire primary could set a dangerous precedent in the realm of political technology.
  7. Amid the discussion of Steve Kramer's trial, the ongoing debate about the role of politics in regulating artificial intelligence has intensified, with some experts in Seattle questioning the potential implications of House Republicans' plan to ban local AI regulation for a decade.
  8. In parallel with the Kramer trial, general news outlets in Seattle have been reporting on the increasing influence of technology in crime and justice, pointing to the case as an example of AI's potential for misuse in political spheres.

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