CFB testimony - Ryan on CFB role and Intro 12A overview
Paul Seamus Ryan, Executive Director of the Campaign Finance Board, introduces the CFB's role in combating big money in politics and describes Intro 12A, which would require disclosure to the CFB when candidates or independent spenders create political materials using AI software capable of generating synthetic content.
Campaign Finance Board, Paul Ryan, the Executive Director, and Amanda Mejia.
Go ahead.
Hold on.
I have to sort them into...
Oh, I'm sorry.
I forget about that.
They always tell the truth at CFP.
All right, we will now hear from the Campaign Finance Board.
Before they testify, I will administer the oath of affirmation.
Please raise your right hand.
Do you affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth before this committee and to respond honestly to council member questions?
All right, you may begin when ready.
Good morning, Chair Brewer and members of the Committee on Governmental Operations.
Good morning, Chair Brewer and members of the Committee on Governmental Operations, State and Federal Legislation, and other Council members.
My name is Paul Seamus Ryan, and I'm the Executive Director of the New York City Campaign Finance Board.
Joining me today is First Deputy Executive Director Amanda Molillo.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today regarding Intro 12A of 2026.
The CFB is an independent, nonpartisan city agency dedicated to strengthening local democracy.
The CFB combats the influence of big money in politics by amplifying the power of small dollar contributions from everyday New Yorkers through our matching funds program.
We work to eliminate barriers to participation by equipping New Yorkers with the information and resources they need to get out to vote and run for office.
Through our NYC Votes initiative, the CFB engages directly with voters and provides resources to make voting more accessible.
Intro 12A, sponsored by Speaker Julie-Menin, would require disclosure to the Campaign Finance Board when candidates for local elected office or entities making local election-related
independent expenditures create political materials or advertisements using artificial intelligence software capable of generating synthetic content.
The CFB previously provided testimony on an earlier version of this bill, Intro 293-2024.
on December 4th, 2024.
The CFB acknowledges the Council's efforts to protect the integrity of our local democratic process as artificial intelligence technologies advance.
The CFB has a unique perspective on this topic, rooted in our dual mandate to serve candidates and voters.
We sympathize with the perspective of both.
We wholeheartedly share your concerns about the ways that AI technology could be used to spread false information to intentionally mislead or deceive voters about council members and other city candidates and office holders.
At the Campaign Finance Board, we have placed a priority on learning about artificial intelligence.
Ms.
Melillo and I recently completed the Harvard Kennedy School AI in Action certificate course.
We have formed an agency-wide AI working group, and we are learning more every day.
Nevertheless, AI technology is evolving at such a rapid pace that we cannot say with certainty how best to regulate its use in elections.