The source of a robocall resembling President Joe Biden's voice, instructing New Hampshire citizens not to vote in the January 23 primary, has been traced back to Life Corporation and an individual named Walter Monk. Attorney General John Formella of the New Hampshire Department of Justice revealed this information, highlighting the Election Law Division's efforts in identifying the origin of the call. Life Corporation, a Texas-based company, and Walter Monk were identified as the culprits behind the automated messages, which were generated using artificial intelligence (AI) deepfake tools with the intention of interfering in the 2024 presidential election.
The robocalls, described by the state attorney general's office as misinformation, prompted a warning for New Hampshire voters to disregard the messages. Utilizing AI deepfake tools, these calls exemplify the deceptive potential of advanced AI algorithms in creating highly realistic digital content, including videos, recordings, or images. Concerns over the manipulation of such technology for malicious purposes have been heightened, underscoring the importance of vigilance in discerning the authenticity of digital communications.
The discovery of the voter suppression calls in mid-January prompted an investigation led by the state attorney general's office in collaboration with state and federal partners, including the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force and the FCC Enforcement Bureau. As a result, the Division of Election Law issued a cease and desist order to Life Corporation, alleging violations related to bribery, intimidation, and suppression. This order mandates immediate compliance, with potential further enforcement actions pending based on prior conduct.
Investigators from the Election Law Group traced the origin of the calls to Lingo Telecom, a telecommunications provider in Texas. Concurrently, the FCC issued a letter of injunction to Lingo Telecom, accusing it of facilitating illegal robocall traffic through the utilization of AI-generated voice clones. The letter mandates an immediate cessation of support for such activities, signaling regulatory scrutiny over the misuse of AI technology in telecommunications.
In response to the proliferation of AI-generated voice calls, FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed the consideration of legislation to deem such calls illegal, subjecting them to regulations and penalties outlined in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The growing concerns surrounding deepfakes and AI-generated content have prompted global attention, with institutions like the World Economic Forum and Canada's national intelligence agency highlighting the potential risks associated with the dissemination of disinformation through AI-driven technologies on the internet.
