While new 2023 regulations for political ads are more comprehensive, loopholes persist and are reinforced by the US Federal Election Commission’s (FEC) limited enforcement capacity. The study recommends expanding the FEC’s role to include digital finance, addressing for example anonymous cryptocurrency transactions that risk illicit contributions to political campaigns. The study also recommends a collaborative effort between federal agencies, social media platforms, artificial intelligence companies, and other stakeholders to uncover illegal practices and ensure transparent, accountable political financing.

This case study is part of a global comparative study on digital political finance by International IDEA, focusing on legislative and regulatory frameworks and practices in the United States.