Robocalls continue to plague consumers, and with the latest technology, these calls have become even more deceptive.
Scammers have taken to using AI-generated voices of popular celebrities, public figures, politicians, or even close family members to try and sway consumers to vote a certain way or share personal financial information.
Now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to make these AI-generated voices illegal.
“Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “We’re putting the fraudsters behind these robocalls on notice.
“State attorneys general will now have new tools to crack down on these scams and ensure the public is protected from fraud and misinformation.”
Keeping consumers safe
The FCC ruling to make AI-generated voices illegal was unanimous, with the agency citing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Under the TCPA, the FCC can set restrictions on telemarketing calls, prerecorded voice messages, automatic telephone dialing systems, and more.
When telemarketers do call, they must have written consent from consumers before calling. With this new ruling, AI-generated calls now fall under these rules, too.
Previously, state attorneys general were able to go after those who were trying to scam consumers with robocalls. However, they were limited in their actions; lawmakers were only allowed to go after the scam itself. Now, the FCC is giving attorneys general the opportunity to pursue legal action against the scammers themselves for using AI-generated voices.
Maintaining integrity in elections
The decision to ban AI-generated robocalls came after an incident with such calls that targeted New Hampshire residents.
The call utilized the technology to simulate President Biden’s voice, and the message on the call was urging voters to sit out of the upcoming presidential primary election. Investigators have since linked the calls to two companies in Texas; however, under the new ruling, calls like these will be illegal.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2024-02-12 15:15:36
