FCC Declares Robocalls Using AI-Generated Voices As Illegal in the US
Summary:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has declared that robocalls using artificial intelligence-generated voices are now illegal in the United States. This FCC's decision was influenced by an incident in New Hampshire where fake voice messages impersonating President Joe Biden were used to dissuade people from voting. Existing laws already consider robocall scams as illegal under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and the new ruling includes "voice cloning technology" in this illegality. The FCC also stressed that AI-backed calls have increased recently, with potential to mislead consumers by imitating voices of celebrities, political figures, and family members.
Following a newly instated ruling from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), robocalls that employ artificial intelligence to generate voices have been deemed unlawful in the United States. The FCC stated on February 8 that the unanimous decision classifies calls facilitated through AI-driven voices as 'artificial' under the guidelines of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This regulation empowers State Attorneys General to prosecute entities participating in such fraudulent practices. The ruling was prompted shortly after the people of New Hampshire were deceived by fake voice messages replicating President Joe Biden's voice, urging them not to participate in the prevalent primary election.
Existing laws already classify robocall scams as illegal under the TCPA, a US legislation that monitors telemarketing practices. The recent proclamation also identifies "voice cloning technology" utilized in these scams as illegal. The FCC confirmed that the rule takes effect immediately. FCC chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel highlighted that these fraudulent activities, which include extorting vulnerable individuals and spreading false information, misuse AI-enabled voices. With this ruling, entities responsible for such malpractices will face the consequences.
Previously, on Jan 31, the FCC suggested making AI-enabled robocall scams illegal under the TCPA, a 1991 law that restrains automated political and marketing calls made without the recipient's approval. The main goal is to shield consumers from unsolicited communications, restricting telemarketing calls, the employment of automatic dialing systems, and artificial or pre-recorded voice messages.
The FCC guidelines also mandate telemarketers to seek written consent from consumers prior to any robocalls activity. The recent ruling will align AI-generated voice calls to these standards. The FCC warned that AI-assisted calls have surged in recent years, potentially misleading consumers by duplicating the voices of famous individuals, political candidates, or close relatives. The ruling enables law enforcement to charge scammers for using AI in generating voices for robocalls, beyond the intended scams or frauds.
Allegedly, the scam involving robocalls emulating Biden's voice in mid-January was traced back to a Texas-based company named Life Corporation and an individual, Walter Monk. A cease-and-desist order was issued by the Election Law Unit to Life Corporation for violating the Revised Statutes Title LXIII of New Hampshire, communicating bribery, intimidation, and suppression in 2022. The order demands immediate compliance, allowing the unit to carry out further enforcement actions grounded on anterior conduct.
Published At
2/9/2024 4:44:49 AM
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