S.T.O.P. Condemns Hochul's AI Proposal, 'Satire Shouldn't Be A Crime'

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

For Immediate Release S.T.O.P. Condemns Hochul's AI Proposal, 'Satire Shouldn't Be A Crime' (New York, NY 2/15/24) – Today, the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), a New York-based privacy and civil rights group, condemned Governor Hochul's proposal to dramatically criminalize the use of generative A.I., warning that the ill-defined measure risked criminalizing parody, political commentary, and other protected speech. The civil rights group noted that sweeping restrictions on the use of the novel technology were likely to be struck down in the courts. SEE: Governor Proposes Legislation to Allow Individuals to Seek Judicial Relief for the Dissemination of False Digitally Altered Material https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-continues-new-yorks-leadership-artificial-intelligence-nation-leading-actions "If this bill were law, I might already be in jail,' said Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn. "Earlier this year, I legally created deep fake audio of Eric Adams to make fun of the mayor when he used tax dollars to create deep fakes of his own, trying to trick New Yorkers into believing he speaks 20 languages he doesn't actually know. This is exactly how lawmakers typically screw up tech regulation, responding to novel risks with harsh, hastily written measures. The truth is that if you use AI to scam someone, or to threaten someone, it's already illegal. We already see lawsuits challenging these abuses. And while there some reforms that are crucial, such as addressing AI bias, political satire shouldn't be on the top of the list." SEE: Since When Does Eric Adams Speak Spanish, Yiddish and Mandarin? https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/20/nyregion/ai-robocalls-eric-adams.html In October, the civil rights group condemned Mayor Eric Adam’s use of AI to simulate his voice in robocalls to New Yorkers in dozens of languages the mayor doesn’t actually speak. Adams’ robocall revelation came during the rollout of the city’s self-described plan for responsible artificial intelligence. SEE: Press Release - S.T.O.P. Condemns Eric Adams’ Deepfake Robocalls, Calls ‘Responsible AI’ Plan ‘Deeply Irresponsible’ https://www.stopspying.org/latest-news/2023/10/16/stop-condemns-eric-adams-deepfake-robocalls-calls-responsible-ai-plan-deeply-irresponsible The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project is a non-profit advocacy organization and legal services provider. S.T.O.P. litigates and advocates for privacy, fighting excessive local and state-level surveillance. Our work highlights the discriminatory impact of surveillance on Muslim Americans, immigrants, and communities of color. --END-- CONTACT: S.T.O.P. Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn. Copyright © 2021 Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, All rights reserved.