FCC Declares AI-Generated Voice Robocalls Illegal Following Biden Election Scam
In a resounding declaration, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Thursday that calls made with AI-generated voices are illegal. This statement came in response to a deceptive robocall impersonating President Joe Biden, urging voters not to support him in New Hampshire's Democratic primary election.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized that the ruling empowers state attorneys general with enhanced measures to pursue the perpetrators behind such fraudulent robocalls. She condemned the misuse of AI-generated voices by bad actors to manipulate vulnerable individuals, mimic celebrities, and misinform voters.
Previously, while state attorneys general could target the consequences of unwanted AI-voice-generated robocalls, the latest ruling explicitly renders the act of using AI to fabricate voices in these calls itself illegal.
The fake Biden robocall, traced back to Texas-based Life Corp, prompted swift action from New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella. He disclosed that a cease-and-desist letter had been issued to Life Corp, owned by Walter Monk, and a criminal investigation was initiated.
Democratic FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks underscored the grave threat posed by "voice cloning" to voter suppression schemes and election integrity, citing the heightened credibility of fabricated robocalls.
Voice cloning, as described by the FCC, can deceive recipients into believing that a trusted individual or a loved one requires them to take action they wouldn't otherwise consider.
This decisive stance by the FCC follows its 2023 imposition of a $5.1 million fine on conservative activists for orchestrating over 1,100 illegal robocalls leading up to the 2020 U.S. election. These calls aimed to dissuade voters from participating in the electoral process by falsely claiming that voting by mail would expose personal information to law enforcement agencies and debt collectors.
The FCC's ruling marks a significant step in combating the proliferation of deceptive robocalls, particularly those leveraging AI-generated voices to perpetrate fraud and sow discord during critical political events. With the regulatory landscape evolving to address emerging threats to communication integrity, the FCC reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the public against malicious telecommunications practices.
As technology continues to advance, regulatory bodies like the FCC remain vigilant in adapting policies to counter evolving threats and uphold the integrity of communication networks. In the fight against deceptive robocalls, collaboration between federal agencies, law enforcement, and state authorities is paramount to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and that the public's trust in telecommunications is preserved.
