The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has declared AI-generated voice calls illegal following a fake robocall impersonating President Joe Biden. Using the improved technology of voice cloning, these robocalls were aimed at discouraging people from voting for him in the Democratic primary election.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized that bad actors are exploiting AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to manipulate vulnerable individuals, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters. The ruling provides state attorneys general with new tools to pursue those responsible for such robocalls. The FCC noted that while previous actions could target the outcome of these calls, this ruling directly criminalizes the use of AI to generate voices in robocalls.
This decision comes amid growing concerns about the use of generative AI in voter suppression tactics. FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks emphasized the increased credibility of fake robocalls due to the voice cloning technology.
