Questions raised about possible ‘deepfake’ image in First District TV ad

A law passed in 2023 to ban the use of “deepfake” images in political campaigns could face its first test.

RELATED: Minnesota banned the use of deepfakes in elections. Now dozens of other states are, too.

A TV ad from Republican First District Congressman Brad Finstad includes a line connecting his Democratic opponent, Jake Johnson, to Gov. Tim Walz, whose approval ratings have dropped well below 50%.

“Governor Walz now endorsing Jake Johnson for Congress,” the ad says. “Johnson is bankrolled by Walz because Johnson is Walz’s guy.”

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