TLDR:
- The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned unsolicited robocalls that use AI-generated voices.
- State attorneys general can now take action against callers using AI voice cloning technology.
The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a ban on unsolicited robocalls that use AI-generated voices. The decision was made due to concerns that the technology can deceive people. The new regulations allow state attorneys general to take legal action against callers using AI voice cloning technology.
AI-generated voices are now categorized as “an artificial or prerecorded voice” under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which restricts callers from using AI-generated voices for non-emergency purposes or without prior consent. The FCC has stated that unsolicited robocalls featuring AI-generated voices are not allowed under the 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Callers who wish to use AI technology must obtain prior consent from the people they are calling. The FCC has issued a cease-and-desist letter to a Texas-based company that used AI-generated robocalls mimicking President Biden’s voice, discouraging voting in the primary.
The regulation is effective immediately, and state attorneys general can take legal action against violators. The FCC can fine companies up to $23,000 per call for using AI-generated voices in unwanted calls. Service providers that carry such calls can also face blocking by the FCC. Individuals who receive unwanted robocalls have the right to take legal action and can potentially recover up to $1,500 in damages for each unsolicited outreach.
The ban on AI-generated voices in robocalls aims to crack down on fraudsters who use this technology to deceive and extort vulnerable individuals, imitate celebrities, and spread misinformation. The FCC is committed to taking action against such bad actors and putting them on notice.