US FCC Bans ‘Robocalls’ With Voice Generated AI to Protect Customers from Voice-Cloning Scams
In a move to safeguard consumers from voice-cloning scams, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a ban on robocalls that utilize voices generated by artificial intelligence (AI). These AI-generated voices, used by scammers to deceive individuals and exploit their vulnerabilities, will now be classified as artificial under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
The unanimous decision by the FCC comes as a response to the rising number of robocalls imitating celebrities, coercing vulnerable family members, and spreading misinformation among voters. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stated that these fraudulent activities, which involve AI-generated voices, will no longer be tolerated. The ban provides State Attorneys General with new tools to combat these scams and protect the public from fraud and misinformation.
The urgency behind this ban is further highlighted by a recent incident in New Hampshire, where AI-generated robocalls using the voice of US President Joe Biden were employed to dissuade people from voting in the state’s primary. The FCC emphasized that this technology has the potential to create confusion by mimicking the voices of prominent personalities, political candidates, and even close family members.
With immediate effect, the regulation empowers the FCC to impose fines on companies utilizing AI voices in their calls or to block the service providers facilitating such calls. It also grants recipients of these robocalls the ability to file lawsuits against the perpetrators. Moreover, state attorneys general now have an additional enforcement mechanism to crack down on violators.
The new ruling aims to curb the misuse of AI technology in robocalls and safeguard consumers from falling victim to voice-cloning scams. By penalizing companies and service providers involved in these fraudulent activities, the FCC hopes to deter future instances and protect the public from further harm.
In conclusion, the US FCC’s ban on robocalls employing AI-generated voices signifies a crucial step in combating voice-cloning scams. With compelling reasons such as extortion, impersonation, and misinformation, the regulatory authority is determined to crack down on fraudsters and ensure the safety of consumers. The ban not only enables the imposition of fines and lawsuits but also grants state attorneys general the means to take action against violators.
