The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made a significant move on Thursday by prohibiting the use of robocalls featuring artificial intelligence-generated voices. This unanimous decision underscores the FCC’s commitment to preventing the exploitation of technology for fraudulent purposes and safeguarding consumers against deceptive practices.
The ruling, enacted under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, specifically targets robocalls utilizing AI voice-cloning tools. These tools have been increasingly utilized by scammers to perpetrate fraud and manipulate individuals, prompting the FCC to take decisive action in response.
The decision comes in the wake of investigations into AI-generated robocalls in New Hampshire, where calls mimicking President Joe Biden’s voice were employed to dissuade voter participation in the state’s primary election. Recognizing the potential for such tactics to undermine the democratic process and mislead the public, the FCC’s regulation aims to address these concerns effectively.
With immediate effect, the regulation grants the FCC the authority to penalize companies engaged in the use of AI voices in robocalls and holds service providers accountable for facilitating such calls. Additionally, it empowers call recipients to pursue legal action against violators, while providing state attorneys general with enhanced tools to combat fraudulent activities.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the growing prevalence of AI-generated voices being exploited in robocalls to disseminate misinformation and engage in fraudulent schemes. By taking proactive measures to address this emerging threat, the FCC aims to uphold consumer rights and maintain the integrity of communication channels protected under existing laws.
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act mandates strict regulations on telemarketing activities, prohibiting the use of automated dialers and artificial or prerecorded voice messages without prior consent from call recipients. This latest ruling reinforces the FCC’s commitment to enforcing these regulations and ensuring that individuals are protected from unwanted and deceptive calls, both on landlines and cellphones.
