The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that it is illegal to make robocalls using AI-generated voices. The new rule will put the power in the hands of the state to prosecute these fraudulent calls, aiming to protect consumers from receiving these misleading and threatening calls. The move comes after a recent incident involving robocalls impersonating US President Joe Biden, which discouraged voters from participating in the state’s presidential primary.
The ban on AI-generated voices in robocalls aims to address the rising issue of misleading and threatening robocalls that imitate public figures and even close family members. This move gives state law enforcement agencies more authority to hold perpetrators accountable under the law. The action follows a Notice of Inquiry from the FCC in November 2023 requesting input from across the country on the use of AI technology in consumer communications, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding deepfakes and their potential to manipulate consumers and influence major elections worldwide.
The ban on AI-generated voices in robocalls marks a significant step in addressing the growing threat of deceptive and manipulative calls. With the potential to confuse consumers and mimic public figures or close family members, these calls have raised concerns about misinformation and scams. By making the use of AI-generated voices in these calls illegal, coupled with the expansion of legal avenues for state law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable, the FCC’s latest action will play a crucial role in protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of major elections.
