As Hoosiers across Indianapolis and various parts of the state grapple with power outages from Hurricane Helene, with AES Indiana reporting that 50,000 residents are still without electricity, the public frustration is palpable. Homes and businesses remain in the dark, traffic signals are down, and the clean-up efforts continue, with Hoosiers prioritizing power restoration and basic services over political theatrics.
Yet, despite these urgent concerns, some in the media seem fixated on a very different issue: the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes in politics. Governor candidates in Indiana have been under intense scrutiny as political operatives on both sides of the aisle attempt to sway public perception using AI-generated videos and images. This year, the Indiana General Assembly responded to this rising threat by passing House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1133, a law designed to protect the public from AI-driven misinformation and political deepfakes. The legislation allows political candidates to sue their opponents for defamation if they can prove AI or deepfake technology was intentionally used to mislead voters.
The law’s passage comes on the heels of a growing global trend of governments utilizing altered media to manipulate public opinion. In Indiana, the concern is no longer theoretical. The state's politicians and their campaigns are grappling with a new reality in which technology can distort truth, erode trust, and sow confusion.
However, many Hoosiers see this focus on AI as tone-deaf given the current circumstances. Hurricane Helene’s aftermath has left thousands in urgent need of power restoration and basic utilities, making the issue of deepfakes and political manipulation seem distant by comparison. Social media is filled with complaints from residents in Indianapolis and across the state demanding quicker responses from AES Indiana and local officials. Meanwhile, debates about political deepfakes seem irrelevant in the face of such immediate hardship.
"I'm more worried about getting my power back than I am about some deepfake ad on TV," said one Indianapolis resident who has been without electricity for three days. "The priorities in the media just seem out of touch."
As utility crews work around the clock to repair downed power lines and damaged infrastructure, the general sentiment from many Hoosiers is that restoring basic services like electricity should be the primary focus. Political debates over AI, while important, feel like a distraction at this moment.
Hurricane Helene has not only battered the state's electrical grid but has also tested the ability of government agencies and private utility companies to respond in a timely manner. With over 50,000 Hoosiers still left in the dark, the call for action is growing louder, with residents expecting leadership from both local and state officials.
As the recovery process continues, it remains to be seen whether the passage of HEA 1133 will have any tangible impact on protecting the public from AI-driven political manipulation. For now, though, many Hoosiers have a much more pressing concern: getting the lights back on.
Comments