Federal Communications Commission moves forward with his plan to ban AI-based robocalls. Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday in favor of a declaratory ruling that was offered at the end of January. As part of this measure, the FCC considers robocalls made using AI-generated voices to be “artificial” voices, pursuant to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This makes the practice illegal. The decision takes effect immediately.
“Malicious actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, impersonate celebrities, and misinform voters. We are warning the scammers behind these robocalls,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. “State attorneys general will now have new tools to crack down on these scams and ensure the public is protected from fraud and misinformation. »
The TCPA is a 1991 law that prohibits the use of artificial or recorded voices to call residences without the consent of the recipients. It is up to the FCC to create rules to enforce this legislation, such as Ars Technica Remarks. As the FCC noted last month, under the TCPA, telemarketers must “obtain prior and express written consent from consumers before calling them in an automated manner.” If successfully passed, this declaratory ruling would ensure that AI-generated voice calls are also subject to the same standards.”
The FCC's vote in favor of the ban comes at something of an inflection point for AI. Not only have these technologies become much more prevalent over the past year, but an AI-generated version of President Joe Biden's voice has been used. in a recent robocall which urged Democrats not to vote in the New Hampshire presidential primary. A criminal investigation in this incident is ongoing.
Given that we are in an election year and the volume of misinformation and disinformation is already likely to increase, cracking down on AI robocalls now seems like a wise move. Although stage AGs can take action against robocallers, the FCC also has the ability to fine them under the TCPA. Last year, the agency imposed the largest fine ever of $300 million last year against a company that made more than 5 billion robocalls in a three-month period.