The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has declared that robocalls made with artificial intelligence (AI)-generated voices are illegal. This ruling comes in response to a recent incident in which a fake robocall imitating President Joe Biden’s voice was made using AI technology. The source of these calls has been identified as Life Corporation and transmitted through a Texas strip mall, linking back to New Hampshire. As concerns around misinformation and AI grow ahead of the US election, the FCC aims to outlaw generative-AI robocalls to protect the democratic process.

Investigation and Ban on AI-Generated Robocalls

Authorities in New Hampshire began investigating a bogus robocall that claimed to be from President Joe Biden. The call was made using AI technology and was traced back to Life Corporation, which operated from a Texas strip mall. The FCC took immediate action, declaring that robocalls with AI-generated voices are illegal. This ruling grants state attorneys general additional power to go after those behind nefarious calls. The speed with which this technology has emerged is alarming, with the FCC emphasizing the urgent need to address this threat.

“It seems like something from the far-off future, but this threat is already here,” said the chair of the Federal Communications Commission.

The Impact of AI-Generated Robocalls

The use of AI-generated voices in robocalls poses a grave threat to the democratic process. With the upcoming US election, concerns around misinformation and the potential manipulation of voters have escalated. Deepfake technology, like the AI-enabled Biden robocall, can easily deceive people and spread false information. The FCC’s ban on AI-generated robocalls aims to safeguard the integrity of elections and prevent the further disruption of America’s democratic process.

In Summary:

• The Federal Communications Commission has ruled that robocalls made with AI-generated voices are illegal.
• A recent bogus robocall claiming to be from President Joe Biden traced back to Life Corporation, operating from a Texas strip mall.
• The FCC’s ruling grants state attorneys general more authority to combat nefarious calls.
• The use of AI-generated voices in robocalls threatens the integrity of the democratic process, particularly during elections.
• Deepfake technology, like the AI-enabled Biden robocall, can spread misinformation and deceive voters.

“It seems like something from the far-off future, but this threat is already here.” – Federal Communications Commission chair.