![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://bollspel.com/the-fccs-new-push-to-ban-ai-generated-robocalls/&media=https://bollspel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20362-the-fccs-new-push-to-ban-ai-generated-robocalls.jpg&description="Stay informed on the latest developments as the FCC ramps up efforts to put an end to annoying AI-generated robocalls. Learn how this new push could impact you and your communication experience."){kind=link}
The US’ top communications regulator believes that AI-generated robocalls, like the one recently impersonating President Joe Biden in New Hampshire, should be considered illegal under existing law. That legal designation would make it easier to charge voice cloning scammers with fraud and could act as a deterrent to push back against a rising tide of scams carried out using generative AI tools.
In a proposal released this week, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the FCC should recognize AI-generated voice calls as under Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The TCPA already places restrictions on automated marketing calls, also known as robocalls, though it’s still unclear whether or not AI generated content neatly falls under that category. An FCC vote in favor of Rosenworcel’s proposal would clear up that ambiguity and make AI-generated robocalls illegal without the need for any new legislation. That vote, according to an FCC spokesperson speaking with TechCrunch will occur at Commissioner’s discretion.
“AI-generated voice cloning and images are already sowing confusion by tricking consumers into thinking scams and frauds are legitimate,” Rosenworcel said in a statement. “No matter what celebrity or politician you favor, or what your relationship is with your kin when they call for help, it is possible we could all be a target of these faked calls.”
An FCC spokesperson told PopSci that clarifying that AI-generated calls are robocalls under existing laws would make it easier for state and federal investigators to take enforcement actions.
Why are AI-generated robocalls an issue?
Increasingly convincing and easy to use AI voice cloning tools are making already frustrating robocalls more dangerous. Scammers can now use these tools to make it seem as if the person on the other end of the line is a famous celebrity, politician, or even a direct relative. That added layer of familiarity can make callers on the other end of the line more comfortable and more susceptible to handing over sensitive information. Scams like these are becoming more common. One out of every 10 respondents surveyed by security software firm McAfee last year said they were personally targeted by a voice scam. 77% of the targeted victims reported losing money.
Rosenworcel isn’t the only one who wants to outlaw the practice either. Earlier this month, attorneys general from 26 states formed a coalition and sent a letter to the FCC urging the agency to restrict genertive’s AI’s use by telemarketers. The AG letter says telemarketers looking to impersonate humans should fall under the TCPA’s “artificial” designation which would require them to obtain written consent from consumers before targeting them with calls.
“Technology is advancing and expanding, seemingly, by the minute, and we must ensure these new developments are not used to prey upon, deceive, or manipulate consumers,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement.