US bans AI-generated robocalls

February 12, 2024

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned AI-generated robocalls amid a rise in voice cloning scams that have affected thousands of citizens. Artificial intelligence can now create convincing fake audio and video, making it easy to scam people. The FCC aims to stop fraudsters using AI voice cloning in illegal robocalls to extort money or spread misinformation.

Threats Posed by AI Voice Cloning

AI voice cloning technology can mimic voices accurately, tricking listeners into believing they are hearing a real person. Scammers have used cloned voices of celebrities and family members to manipulate vulnerable people into sending money or sharing sensitive information. The FCC warns that voice cloning in robocalls can convince people to take actions they normally wouldn’t.

Recent Incidents Sparking Concern

A turning point was a fake robocall imitating President Biden to discourage voting for him in a primary election. This demonstrated the threat AI voice cloning poses to the integrity of elections through voter suppression schemes. The FCC has sent a cease-and-desist letter about this incident and started a criminal investigation.

FCC Rules to Curb Abuse

The FCC ruling bans companies from using AI-generated voices in robocalls effective immediately. Violators face fines and blocked service. This allows the FCC to crack down on those exploiting AI to spread misinformation, commit fraud through voice cloning and interfere in elections.

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