The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has declared that robocalls utilizing AI-generated voices are now considered illegal. In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, the FCC approved a Declaratory Ruling, which classifies these calls as artificial and therefore in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This ruling goes into effect immediately.
The decision to crack down on AI robocalls comes in response to an increase in fraudulent activities involving unsolicited calls using AI-generated voices. Perpetrators have been using these voices to extort vulnerable individuals, impersonate celebrities, and spread misinformation to voters. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating that we’re putting the fraudsters behind these robocalls on notice. Rosenworcel added that State Attorneys General now have new tools to combat such scams and protect the public from fraud and misinformation.
The TCPA, a law enacted in 1991, prohibits the use of artificial or recorded voices to make calls to residences without the receivers’ consent. The FCC is responsible for establishing rules to enforce this legislation. Under the TCPA, telemarketers are required to obtain prior express written consent from consumers before making robocalls. The recent Declaratory Ruling aims to extend these standards to AI-generated voice calls as well.
The FCC’s decision comes at a crucial time, as AI technology becomes increasingly prevalent. Just recently, an AI-generated version of President Joe Biden’s voice was used in a robocall that urged Democrats not to vote in New Hampshire’s Presidential primary. This incident is currently under investigation.
With the upcoming election year and the expected surge in misinformation and disinformation, clamping down on AI robocalls is a crucial step. While State Attorneys General can take actions against robocallers, the FCC also possesses the authority to fine them under the TCPA. In fact, the agency issued its largest-ever fine of $300 million against a company that made over 5 billion robocalls in a three-month period last year.
In conclusion, the FCC’s decision to make robocalls utilizing AI-generated voices illegal aims to mitigate the fraudulent use of these calls and protect the public from exploitation. With new tools at their disposal, State Attorneys General can now take stronger action against the individuals and organizations behind these scams. As we approach an election year, such measures are crucial in safeguarding against the dissemination of misinformation. The FCC’s ruling sets a strong precedent and reinforces the importance of consent and consumer protection in an age of rapidly advancing AI technology.
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