FCC Bans Robocalls Using AI-Generated Voices Following Fake Biden Calls

The Federal Communications Commission outlawed robocalls utilizing artificial intelligence to mimic voices.

Details: The Declaratory Ruling from the FCC targets “voice cloning technology used in common robocall scams targeting consumers,” giving “State Attorneys General across the country new tools to go after bad actors behind these nefarious robocalls.”

Key Quote: In the Declaratory Ruling, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stated, “Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters. We’re putting the fraudsters behind these robocalls on notice.” In a separate statement, Rosenworcel said the FCC has “a Memorandum of Understanding with 48 State Attorneys General who have agreed to work with us to combat robocalls. Now, with this Declaratory Ruling, we will have another tool to go after voice cloning scams and get this junk off the line.”

For Context: During the New Hampshire Democratic primary last month, reports emerged of apparent AI-generated robocalls mimicking President Joe Biden, urging Democratic voters not to participate in the primary. The fake Biden voice reportedly said, “Republicans have been trying to push nonpartisan and Democratic voters to participate in their primary. What a bunch of malarkey,” adding, “Voting this Tuesday only enables the Republicans in their quest to elect Donald Trump again. Your vote makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday.”

How the Media Covered It: Left-rated outlets covered the announcement most frequently and prominently. Coverage was largely absent in right-rated outlets.