The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is taking action to crack down on robocalls that use artificial intelligence-generated voices after a fake voice that sounded like President Biden was used in calls to voters ahead of the New Hampshire primary election. The agency has proposed recognizing AI-generated voices as “artificial” under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), making it illegal to utilize voice-cloning technology in calls to consumers.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the need to address this emerging technology, stating, “No matter what celebrity or politician you favor, or what your relationship is with your kin when they call for help, it is possible we could all be a target of these faked calls.” The FCC’s proposal aims to provide State Attorneys General offices across the country with new tools to crack down on these scams and protect consumers.
The FCC’s efforts have garnered support, with attorneys general from 26 states already on board with the proposal, and the agency currently collaborating with 48 states to combat robocalls. The urgency to tackle this issue is highlighted by an ongoing investigation in New Hampshire, where residents received a robocall mimicking President Biden’s voice, urging them not to participate in the primary election.
The use of AI technology in robocalls presents a significant challenge as it can produce audio that closely resembles authentic recordings. In the past, spoof calls and spam calls relied on statistical methods and audio dubbing. However, with public figures like Biden having a vast vocal record, powerful AI tools can now generate audio that is difficult to differentiate from genuine recordings.
“The rise of these types of calls has escalated during the last few years as this technology now has the potential to confuse consumers with misinformation by imitating the voices of celebrities, political candidates, and close family members,” the FCC stated in a news release.
While federal laws address deliberate attempts to limit people’s ability to vote or manipulate their voting decisions, regulations specifically targeting deceptive use of AI technology are yet to be implemented. The FCC’s proposal aims to fill this regulatory gap and combat the growing threat of AI-generated fraud.
In conclusion, the FCC’s move to criminalize AI robocalls under the TCPA is a significant step towards protecting consumers from scams and misinformation. By recognizing AI-generated voices as “artificial,” the agency aims to provide state authorities with the necessary tools to crack down on these deceptive practices. However, the ongoing investigation in New Hampshire highlights the urgent need for regulation in this area, as AI technology continues to evolve and pose new challenges to consumer protection.
