FCC makes AI-generated voices in robocalls illegal
Shemar-Leslie Louisy / Our Today
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. has declared AI-generated voices in robocalls illegal under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
The ruling, announced unanimously on Thursday, February 8, aims to combat the rising tide of fraudulent calls plaguing consumers.
Under the leadership of FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, the commission has taken decisive action against the misuse of voice cloning technology, often employed in deceptive robocall schemes. These calls, impersonating celebrities, political figures, and even family members, have become increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to defraud unsuspecting victims.
“Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters. We’re putting the fraudsters behind these robocalls on notice,” said Rosenworcel.
The ruling not only empowers federal enforcement agencies but also equips state attorneys general (AGs) with new tools to combat these scams. With the legal recognition of AI-generated voices as artificial under the TCPA, AGs now have expanded avenues to pursue legal action against perpetrators.
In response to the FCC’s enquiry into combating illegal robocalls, which included considerations of AI involvement, the commission has taken proactive steps to address the evolving nature of telecommunications fraud. By prohibiting the use of AI for voice generation in robocalls, the FCC aims to safeguard consumers from misinformation and financial exploitation.
The TCPA, a cornerstone of consumer protection legislation, imposes strict regulations on telemarketing practices and the use of automated calling systems. With this ruling, AI-generated voices are now held to the same standards, requiring prior express written consent from consumers before their use in robocalls.
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