FCC Declares AI-Generated Voices in Robocalls are Illegal
The Federal Communications Commission has declared the use of voice-cloning technology in robocalls to be illegal, giving states a new tool to combat fraudsters. The ruling comes in response to a rise in robocalls using recordings that mimic the voices of celebrities and politicians. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the need for protection against these scams and misinformation.
Background
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made a ruling that bans the use of AI-generated voices in robocalls. This decision comes as there has been an increase in fraudulent calls that utilize voice-cloning technology to mimic the voices of public figures, like celebrities and political candidates.
The FCC's ruling takes immediate effect and provides state attorneys general with new tools to crack down on these scams. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel highlighted the harm caused by these AI-generated robocalls, stating that they are used to extort vulnerable individuals, imitate well-known personalities, and spread misinformation.
This move by the FCC follows an incident prior to New Hampshire's presidential primary, where a fake robocall impersonating President Biden encouraged voters not to cast their ballots. An estimated 5,000 to 25,000 fraudulent calls of this nature were made.
Addressing the Issue
The New Hampshire Attorney General, John Formella, revealed that the AI-generated robocall imitating President Biden has been traced back to two Texas companies. A criminal investigation is currently underway to identify those responsible.
The rise of AI-generated disinformation in various forms, including images, videos, and audio, has become a significant concern during the 2024 campaign cycle. In response, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Susan Collins have urged the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to take action against these disinformation campaigns.
The FCC's decision to ban the use of AI-generated voices in robocalls aims to protect the public from scams and misinformation. It is expected to provide states with greater authority to prosecute those involved in fraudulent robocalls.
Ongoing Concerns
The prevalence of AI-generated content in the political landscape has raised alarms, prompting increased efforts to combat disinformation. It is crucial to address the use of AI technology to impersonate public figures and deceive the public.
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