New York City Council candidate is accused of forgery over AI-generated posts
Prosecutors say he used AI to create fake endorsements and doctored images to mislead voters in a City Council race.
- On Wednesday, former New York City Council candidate Jonathan Rinaldi was arrested and charged with forgery for using AI to generate fake political endorsements and news articles on social media.
- Unsuccessful in last year's Queens council race and Tuesday's Democratic primary for Assembly, Rinaldi faces charges under New York laws prohibiting falsification of written instruments.
- Prosecutors allege Rinaldi used AI to fabricate a New York Post story showing Council Member Robert Holden endorsing him, and doctored images of opponent Lynn Schulman wearing a shirt reading "Hot Girls for Zohran."
- District Attorney Melinda Katz said accountability for misrepresentation is essential, but Rinaldi claimed his posts constitute protected free speech during a Wednesday phone interview with The Associated Press.
- The incident reflects broader regulatory challenges with AI in U.S. races this year, exemplified by a Kentucky primary featuring an AI-created ad depicting Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar.
14 Articles
14 Articles
New York City Council candidate is accused of forgery over AI-generate
A former New York City Council candidate has been charged with forgery over allegations he used artificial intelligence to post fake endorsements and news articles on social media. Jonathan Rinaldi was arrested outside his home Wednesday and could face up to two years in prison if convicted. The 47-year-old ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for a council seat from Queens last year. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not generally…
A candidate for New York City Council used AI for fake endorsements, prosecutors say
A former New York City Council candidate has been charged with forgery over allegations he used artificial intelligence to post fake endorsements and news articles on social media.
Associated Press News
New York City Council candidate is accused of forgery over AI-generated posts
A former New York City Council candidate has been charged with forgery over allegations he used artificial intelligence to post fake endorsements and news articles on social media.
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