A recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated speech for unwarranted or automated robocalls officially illegal in the United States.
According to a statement released by the FCC on February 8, the agency unanimously adopted a declaratory ruling recognizing AI-generated voices as "artificial" under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), providing state attorneys general with new tools to combat these fraudulent robocalls.
The FCC's decision comes in response to a surge in robocall scams, including instances where fake voice messages impersonated public figures like U.S. President Joe Biden, urging individuals not to vote in New Hampshire's primary election. Such practices are already prohibited under the TCPA, which regulates telemarketing activities.
The newly issued ruling extends the ban to include "voice cloning technology" used in scams, effectively prohibiting the use of AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls. The FCC emphasized that these measures are aimed at protecting consumers from deceptive practices and preventing the spread of misinformation.
FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel condemned the use of AI-generated voices in robocall scams, highlighting the potential for such technology to exploit vulnerable individuals, impersonate celebrities, and mislead voters. The ruling, which takes immediate effect, seeks to deter bad actors from employing AI to perpetrate fraudulent activities.
Law enforcement agencies have been granted expanded authority to pursue scammers utilizing AI-generated voices in robocall schemes. The FCC's action aims to reinforce existing regulations and ensure that telemarketers adhere to established standards, including obtaining written consent from consumers before initiating robocalls. Additionally, the FCC warned of the escalating threat posed by AI-powered calls, stressing the need for vigilance and proactive measures to combat fraudulent activities in the telecommunications sector.
