US Bans AI-Generated Robocalls Amid Rise in Voice Cloning Incidents
AP Photo/Jamie Stengel. The Dallas-area strip mall office of the polling company TextToSurvey is also the office of Life Corporation, which authorities say was the source of a robocall imitating President Biden. Both companies are tied to serial entrepreneur Walter Monk.
Background
The US has banned AI-generated robocalls amid a rise in voice cloning incidents that have scammed thousands of citizens in the country. Misleading audio and visuals created using artificial intelligence aren’t new, but recent advancements in AI technology have made them easier to create and harder to detect.
Reason for Ban
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned AI-generated robocalls, citing concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence in unsolicited robocalls. The FCC said that "bad actors" are using AI-generated voices to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters.
Source of Robocalls
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said that investigators have identified the source of the calls as Life Corporation and that the calls were transmitted by a company called Lingo Telecom. New Hampshire issued cease-and-desist orders and subpoenas to both companies, while the FCC issued a cease-and-desist letter to the telecommunications company.
Impact
The ruling, which goes into effect immediately, allows the regulator to fine companies that use AI-generated voices in their calls or restrict the service providers that carry them. FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said that the use of generative AI has brought a fresh threat to voter suppression schemes and the campaign season with the heightened believability of fake robocalls.
Conclusion
The ban on AI-generated robocalls is a significant step towards preventing the misuse of artificial intelligence in unsolicited robocalls. The FCC’s action aims to protect citizens from scams and misinformed calls, and ensures that the integrity of elections is maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the ban on AI-generated robocalls?
The ban aims to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence in unsolicited robocalls and protect citizens from scams and misinformed calls. - Who is affected by the ban?
The ban applies to companies that use AI-generated voices in their calls or restrict the service providers that carry them. - What is the penalty for violating the ban?
Companies that violate the ban may be fined or have their service providers restricted. - How will the ban be enforced?
The FCC will enforce the ban by issuing cease-and-desist orders, subpoenas, and fines to violators.
About The Author
