FTC nominees vow to combat deceptive AI practices

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Three commissioner nominees at a confirmation hearing on Tuesday emphasized the importance of addressing the deceptive use of artificial intelligence, showcasing bipartisanship on the popular issue. The hearing aimed to consider the re-nomination of Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, a Democrat, as well as the nominations of two Republicans, Andrew Ferguson and Melissa Holyoak, who serve as the solicitors general of Virginia and Utah respectively.

Ferguson’s previous experience includes serving as the chief counsel to U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell from 2019 to 2021. Senator John Thune questioned the nominees about the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) role in enforcing rules regarding artificial intelligence.

Slaughter stated that it is the FTC’s responsibility to investigate cases where there have been violations of laws against unfair and deceptive acts and practices, regardless of whether artificial intelligence was involved. She also acknowledged that there may be concerns regarding AI that go beyond the FTC Act’s coverage, which would require congressional intervention.

Both Ferguson and Holyoak agreed with Slaughter’s stance. Holyoak specifically highlighted the potential for AI to facilitate fraud by enhancing the credibility of phishing emails and robocalls, making it easier to deceive victims.

What stood out about their agreement was the contrast it presented to previous partisan conflicts within the agency. Christine Wilson, a former Republican FTC commissioner, resigned earlier this year and strongly criticized the agency’s leadership.

If confirmed by the Senate, as anticipated, the two Republican nominees will not shift the balance of power within the five-member FTC. The commission, which also enforces antitrust law, currently consists of a Democratic chair, Lina Khan, and two Democratic commissioners.

Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Aurora Ellis