New apps can instantly identify political ads

Two applications released Wednesday allow users to instantly identify political advertisements with their smartphones. 

The Sunlight Foundation's Ad Hawk and Glassy Media's Super PAC App listen to the audio of a political television advertisement and can then identify the ad and provide information about the group behind it.

The technique is similar to Shazam, a popular app that identifies music.

“These days, our smartphones are always within reach. But instead of checking your texts or identifying a song on the radio, you can now use them the moment you hear or see a political ad,” said Tom Lee, a director for the Sunlight Foundation. “Ad Hawk uses the audio fingerprinting technology many are already familiar with to inform citizens about who is spending money to influence their votes."

Jennifer Hollett, co-founder of Super PAC App, said the app "is an opportunity to educate and engage voters, in a way that makes traditional political TV advertising more interactive as well as accountable.”

Both apps are available for free.

Ad Hawk, which is available for iPhone and Android, provides information about how much the ad sponsor is spending and where the ad is airing and a collection of media reports about the candidate or group.

Super PAC App, which is available for iPhone, provides information about how much the group is spending, as well as information on the ad's claims. The app also allows users to rate the ad.

The apps rely on databases from the Federal Election Commission and Federal Communications Commission. 

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