AI-generated ‘slopaganda’ in political ads puts internet platforms on alert

AI-generated images and video have become a prominent feature of advertising in the 2026 US midterm elections, raising questions about what voters can recognise as authentic. CNBC reported finding online political ads without AI disclosures, including a video posted by Republican New York governor candidate Bruce Blakeman that depicts his Democratic opponent, Kathy Hochul, using synthetic imagery. The Associated Press also examined that ad and reported that it identifies Blakeman’s campaign as its sponsor but does not disclose its use of AI, despite a New York law requiring disclosure in political communications. Blakeman’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment reported by the outlets.

The scale extends beyond one race. The Wesleyan Media Project said it had identified 289 distinct ads generated or enhanced with AI and more than $187 million in associated spending by late October. It cautioned that both figures are likely underestimates because AI use can be hard to detect and many ads lack disclaimers. The material poses a challenge for platforms carrying election advertising alongside politicians’ ordinary posts: a label identifying who paid for an ad does not necessarily tell viewers whether its scenes or voices are real. Google requires advertisers to disclose election ads containing consequential synthetic or digitally altered content, but differing state rules and inconsistent disclosure leave voters with uneven information.