The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken decisive action to combat the pervasive issue of scam robocalls featuring fake, AI-generated voices. In a unanimous vote, the FCC extended anti-robocall regulations to encompass unsolicited AI deepfake calls, recognizing these voices as “artificial” under existing federal law.
This significant move equips state attorneys general with enhanced legal tools to pursue illegal robocallers employing AI-generated voices to deceive Americans. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel underscored the urgency of addressing these fraudulent practices, citing instances where bad actors have exploited vulnerable individuals, impersonated celebrities, and disseminated misinformation.
The FCC’s interpretation of the 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) now includes AI-generated voices, spurred by recent incidents such as a fake robocall impersonating President Joe Biden, which targeted thousands of New Hampshire voters ahead of the state’s primary.
Violations of the TCPA can result in substantial civil penalties, with the FCC proposing a $5 million fine in 2021 against individuals allegedly using illegal robocalls to discourage voting in the 2020 election.
While the FCC’s action marks a significant step forward in combating illegal robocalls, experts emphasize the ongoing need for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying challenges. Lawmakers have proposed legislative revisions to further deter AI-involved robocalls, aiming to double maximum penalties under the TCPA.
Andrew Schwartzman, a senior counselor at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, lauds the FCC’s decision as a crucial tool in the fight against illegal robocalls, while acknowledging that more efforts are needed to effectively tackle the issue.
In addition to regulatory measures, industry collaboration and consumer protection mechanisms are essential components of the broader strategy. Dan Jasnow, a partner at ArentFox Schiff’s AI, Metaverse, and Blockchain industry group, stresses the importance of a coordinated effort involving government and industry stakeholders.
Phone providers found to persistently facilitate illegal robocalls can face severe consequences, including disconnection from the US telephone network, as part of the FCC’s broader crackdown on fraudulent practices.
The FCC’s ban on scam robocalls using AI-generated voices comes as welcome news to millions of Americans plagued by incessant spam calls. With an estimated peak of 58.5 billion robocalls in 2019, and the figure hovering around 55 billion in 2021, the need for decisive action to stem the tide of fraudulent calls is more pressing than ever.
As the FCC continues to update its regulatory framework to address evolving challenges, the battle against illegal robocalls remains ongoing. While regulatory interventions provide a vital deterrent, sustained collaboration between government, industry, and consumers is essential to safeguarding against the scourge of fraudulent robocalls.