The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously ruled that calls made with artificially generated voices, known as AI-generated robocalls, are now illegal in the United States. The move comes in response to a surge in such calls in recent years, which the FCC warns could mislead consumers with misinformation by imitating different voices.
The ruling by the FCC, announced on Thursday, follows growing concerns over the proliferation of AI-generated robocalls, including instances of calls mimicking public figures to spread misinformation. Notably, authorities in New Hampshire have intensified their investigation into AI-generated robocalls that impersonated US President Joe Biden's voice in an attempt to dissuade voters during the state's primary elections last month.
Effective immediately, the new regulation empowers the FCC to impose fines on companies utilizing AI voices in their calls or to take action against service providers facilitating such calls. Moreover, it grants call recipients the ability to file lawsuits against violators, while providing state attorney generals with enhanced tools to combat fraudulent practices and misinformation campaigns.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the urgency of addressing the misuse of AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls, which have been exploited for various malicious purposes, including extortion, celebrity impersonations, and voter misinformation. Rosenworcel stated that the FCC's action serves as a warning to fraudsters perpetrating these scams, while affirming the agency's commitment to protecting the public from fraudulent activities and ensuring the integrity of communication channels.
Under existing US consumer protection laws, telemarketers are prohibited from using automated dialers or artificial voices to make unsolicited calls to mobile phones, and they must obtain prior written consent before making such calls to landlines. The FCC's decision marks a significant step towards combating the growing threat of AI-generated robocalls and safeguarding consumers against deceptive practices in telecommunications.
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