The US’ top communications regulator believes AI-generated robocalls like the one recently impersonating President Joe Biden in New Hampshire should be considered illegal under existing law. That legal designation would make it easier to charge voice cloning scammers with fraud and could act as a deterrent to push back against a rising tide of scams carried out using generative AI tools.
In a proposal released this week, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the FCC should recognize AI-generated voice calls as under Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The TCPA already places restrictions on automated marketing calls, also known as robocalls, though it’s still unclear whether or not AI generated content neatly falls under that category. An FCC vote in favor of Rosenworcel’s proposal would clear up that ambiguity and make AI-generated robocalls illegal without the need for any new legislation. That vote, according to an FCC spokesperson speaking with TechCrunch will occur at Commissioner’s discretion.
“AI-generated voice cloning and images are already sowing confusion by tricking consumers into thinking scams and frauds are legitimate,” Rosenworcel said in a statement. “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.”
An FCC spokesperson told PopSci that clarifying that AI-generated calls are robocalls under existing laws would make it easier for state and federal investigators to take enforcement actions.
Why are AI-generated robocalls an issue?
Increasingly convincing and easy to use AI voice cloning tools are making already frustrating robocalls more dangerous. Scammers can now use these tools to make it seem as if the person on the other end of the line is a famous celebrity, politician, or even a direct relative. That added layer of…
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