Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use & Disclosure Policy
Gary Ferraris for Mayor of Santa Clara
1. Purpose and Commitment to Transparency
The Gary Ferraris for Mayor campaign is committed to honesty, transparency, accuracy, and accountability in all public communications.
As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies become increasingly integrated into digital communications, the campaign recognizes the importance of responsible AI use and clear disclosure practices.
This policy explains how AI-assisted technologies may be used in the development, preparation, and publication of content appearing on this website and associated campaign communications.
2. Use of Artificial Intelligence
The campaign may use AI-assisted tools for legitimate administrative, creative, and communications purposes, including:
- Drafting, editing, proofreading, and formatting written content.
- Assisting with website design, development, and accessibility.
- Creating or enhancing graphic design elements and visual layouts.
- Supporting research, content organization, and administrative functions.
- Improving the clarity and presentation of campaign communications.
AI-assisted content is subject to human review and editorial oversight before publication.
The use of AI does not constitute an endorsement of any particular AI technology provider.
3. AI-Generated Images and Digital Media
Certain graphics, backgrounds, illustrations, or other visual elements displayed on this website or in campaign materials may be created or enhanced using artificial intelligence.
The campaign distinguishes between routine design enhancements and materially altered or synthetic content that could mislead viewers about real people, statements, actions, or events.
The campaign will not knowingly use AI-generated or digitally manipulated content to falsely represent:
- Statements made by a candidate or public official.
- Endorsements or support from individuals or organizations.
- Events or activities that did not occur.
- The identity, appearance, voice, or actions of real individuals in a materially deceptive manner.
Where required by applicable law, qualifying AI-generated or substantially altered political content will include a clear and conspicuous disclosure.
4. Accuracy and Human Oversight
The campaign maintains responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of its published communications, regardless of whether AI-assisted tools were used.
AI-generated material may contain inaccuracies, omissions, or unintended representations. Accordingly, the campaign endeavors to review relevant factual claims, quotations, endorsements, and visual representations before publication.
AI technology does not independently establish the campaign's official policy positions or speak on behalf of Gary Ferraris.
5. Political Advertising and California Law
The campaign intends to comply with applicable federal, California, and local laws governing political advertising, campaign communications, and disclosure of materially deceptive or digitally altered content.
This includes applicable requirements under the California Elections Code concerning materially deceptive election communications, as well as any other relevant political advertising disclosure obligations.
Where legally required, the campaign will provide appropriate notices identifying qualifying synthetic or substantially altered media.
This general website policy does not replace disclosures that must appear directly on individual advertisements, images, videos, audio recordings, or other campaign communications.
6. Endorsements and Representations
The campaign will not knowingly fabricate endorsements, testimonials, quotations, or statements of support through the use of artificial intelligence.
AI-assisted design tools may be used to format or present authentic endorsements, provided that such use does not materially misrepresent the identity, statements, or support of the endorsing individual or organization.
7. Privacy and Data Protection
The campaign recognizes the importance of protecting information submitted through its website.
Personal information collected through campaign forms, subscriptions, or other website interactions will be handled in accordance with the campaign's Privacy Policy and applicable law.
The campaign will endeavor to avoid entering sensitive personal information into external AI systems without appropriate safeguards and authorization.
8. Third-Party Technologies
This website may incorporate third-party platforms or services that use automated or AI-assisted technologies.
The campaign does not control the independent operations of all third-party technology providers. Their use of information may be governed by their respective terms and privacy policies.
9. Policy Updates
The campaign reserves the right to revise this policy to reflect changes in technology, campaign operations, legal requirements, or regulatory guidance.
Any revisions will be published on this page with an updated effective date.
10. Contact
Questions regarding this policy or the campaign's use of artificial intelligence may be directed to the campaign through the official contact form on this website.
**Gary Ferraris for Mayor of Santa Clara**
*Official Campaign Website*