United States bans AI-generated voices in robocalls

The

FCC

has banned unsolicited robocalls that use AI-generated voices. The decision comes after concerns that the technology can deceive people. State attorneys general can now take action against callers using AI voice cloning tech. Voters in New Hampshire recently received calls from a digitally generated voice impersonating President

Biden

.
AI-generated voices are now considered "an artificial or prerecorded voice" under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. This restricts callers from using AI-generated voices for non-emergency purposes or without prior consent.
The FCC stated that unsolicited robocalls featuring AI-generated voices are not allowed under the 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Callers who use AI technology must obtain prior consent from the people they are calling.
“Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters,” FCC Chairwoman

Jessica Rosenworcel

said in a statement. “We’re putting the fraudsters behind these robocalls on notice.”

Before the New Hampshire primary in January, voters received calls impersonating Biden, urging them to "save your vote for the November election." The FCC has issued a cease-and-desist letter to a Texas-based company for using AI-generated robocalls mimicking President Biden's voice, discouraging voting in the primary.
“Don’t try it,” New Hampshire Attorney General

John Formella

said. “If you do, we will work together to investigate, we will work together with partners across the country to find you, and we will take any enforcement action available to us under the law. The consequences for your actions will be severe.”

The regulation is effective immediately and state attorneys general can also take legal action against violators. Under the new regulations FCC can fine companies that use AI-generated voices in unwanted calls. Those who break the law can be fined up to $23,000 per call. The FCC can also block service providers that carry such calls.
People who receive unwanted robocalls also have the right to take legal action and can potentially recover up to $1,500 in damages for each unsolicited outreach.