Trial Begins for Consultant Accused of AI-Generated Robocalls in New Hampshire Primary
Concord, N.H. — Legal proceedings commenced Thursday against Steven Kramer, a political consultant accused of voter suppression and impersonating former President Joe Biden through misleading robocalls in the lead-up to New Hampshire’s primary. If convicted, Kramer faces decades behind bars.
Kramer, who sent thousands of voters an AI-generated message days before the January 23, 2024 primary, allegedly utilized an artificial intelligence voice that echoed Biden’s slogan “What a bunch of malarkey.” The robocall warned voters that participating in the primary would prevent them from voting in the November election, stating, “Your votes make a difference in November, not this Tuesday.”
In defense, Kramer claimed he aimed to highlight AI’s dangers, arguing that while he might appear as a villain today, his actions were ultimately for a better democracy. He hired a magician for $150 to create the audio.
As the trial unfolded in Belknap County Superior Court, prosecutors attempted to bar Kramer from contending that the primary was a mere “straw poll” due to its lack of Democratic National Committee (DNC) sanctioning. However, Judge Elizabeth Leonard allowed this aspect, deeming it relevant to Kramer’s intent. He faces 11 felony and 11 misdemeanor charges related to voter impersonation and misleading information.
The Federal Communications Commission has also levied a $6 million fine against Kramer, although it remains unclear if he has settled the payment. Amidst evolving regulations, the push for legislation governing AI in political contexts is gaining traction, with states moving to regulate AI deepfakes in campaigns, despite federal resistance.
Kramer’s case signifies the intersection of technology, politics, and law, raising significant questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
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