The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States has declared illegal nationwide for companies to use artificial intelligence-generated voices for robocalls.
The FCC has unanimously expanded the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA, to cover automated voice scams that simulate the voice of other people using AI. The new rule is already in effect in the United States and allows the commission to fine companies and block providers that make these types of calls.
“Criminals are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, impersonate celebrities, and misinform voters,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement. “We are putting scammers behind these automated calls on notice.”
The measure comes a few days after the FCC and New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella identified Life Corporation as the company responsible for mysterious calls made last month that imitated President Joe Biden before the state primaries. At a press conference held on Tuesday, Formella stated that his office had opened a criminal investigation into the company and its owner, Walter Monk.
