The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a firm stance against the use of AI-generated voices in robocalls, aiming to protect consumers from deceptive scams.
The decision comes after a concerning incident during the New Hampshire primary, where an AI voice impersonating President Joe Biden delivered a fake message, urging voters not to participate.
This alarming event prompted the FCC to address the rising threat of advanced communication technologies and convincingly realistic AI-generated fakes, including voice cloning.
According to the FCC, the proliferation of these types of calls has been on the rise in recent years, posing a significant risk to unsuspecting individuals. The new ban extends the regulations set forth by the 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which already governs unsolicited calls without prior consent.
Despite existing laws, phone scams remain prevalent, with notable cases resulting in hefty fines against those who target vulnerable communities, such as Black and People of Color (BPoC) voters. Additionally, a record-breaking fine was imposed on a company responsible for flooding consumers with unsolicited robocalls promoting car insurance.
The updated regulation not only criminalizes the use of AI voices for robocalls but also empowers state attorneys general to take legal action against offenders. This measure is effective immediately, signaling the FCC’s commitment to combating robocall scams.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasizes the urgent need to address the growing threat posed by AI-generated voices and images, which can deceive consumers and lead to financial losses. The forthcoming rule change aims to safeguard not only ordinary citizens but also high-profile individuals, including celebrities and politicians, from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Rosenworcel warns that bad actors are exploiting AI technology to impersonate trusted figures, manipulate vulnerable individuals, and spread misinformation. By implementing this ban, the FCC aims to hold fraudsters accountable and protect the public from harm.
Moving forward, the FCC faces the challenge of balancing consumer protection with technological advancement. While acknowledging the benefits of AI innovation, the agency remains vigilant in ensuring that such advancements are not abused for malicious purposes.
In taking this decisive action, the FCC reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of communication channels and preserving public trust in the digital age.