Current:Home > ScamsThe FCC says AI voices in robocalls are illegal -Cryptify
The FCC says AI voices in robocalls are illegal
View
Date:2025-04-28 00:45:51
The Federal Communications Commission ruled on Thursday that robocalls using voices generated by artificial intelligence are illegal, amid concerns over how the cutting-edge technology is being used to scam people and deceive voters.
"Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters," FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. "We're putting the fraudsters behind these robocalls on notice."
Last month in New Hampshire, a robocall using an apparently AI-generated voice depicting President Biden discouraging Democrats from voting reached thousands of voters just days before the state's primary.
New Hampshire's attorney general said this week a Texas telemarketer was behind the call, and that another Texas-based company transmitted it. He's opened an investigation into illegal voter suppression.
AI has also been used to extort money from families by mimicking the voice of a loved one in danger. Last year the Federal Trade Commission warned consumers those scams are on the rise.
Rapidly advancing technology has led to the wide proliferation of tools that can easily generate realistic audio, video, and images. That's raised fears over how the technology can be abused to dupe people and create plausible-seeming evidence of events that never happened.
The FCC's ruling deemed calls made with AI-generated voices "artificial" under a 1991 federal law aimed at curbing junk calls.
It means the FCC can fine violators and block the telephone companies that carry the calls. In addition, the ruling lets victims sue robocallers that use AI, and gives state attorneys general additional tools to prosecute bad actors.
veryGood! (34831)
Related
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Michigan school shooter’s father wants a jury from outside the community
- Average long-term US mortgage rate rose this week to 6.77%, highest level in 10 weeks
- Pennsylvania man accused of beheading father charged with terrorism
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Wayfair’s Presidents' Day Sale Has Black Friday Prices- $1.50 Flatware, $12 Pillows & 69% off Mattresses
- Teen Moms Kailyn Lowry Reveals Meaning Behind her Twins' Names
- Inter Miami preseason match Thursday: Will Lionel Messi play against hometown club?
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Early detection may help Kentucky tamp down its lung cancer crisis
Ranking
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Steph Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu to face off in 3-point contest during NBA All-Star weekend
- US eases restrictions on Wells Fargo after years of strict oversight following scandal
- Federal judges sound hesitant to overturn ruling on North Carolina Senate redistricting
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Pennsylvania courts say it didn’t pay ransom in cyberattack, and attackers never sent a demand
- Federal judges sound hesitant to overturn ruling on North Carolina Senate redistricting
- There are more than 300 headache causes. These are the most common ones.
Recommendation
Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
The Best Luxury Bed Sheets That Are So Soft and Irresistible, You’ll Struggle to Get Out of Bed
Kylian Mbappe has told PSG he will leave at the end of the season, AP sources say
Trump's first criminal trial set to begin March 25 as judge denies bid to dismiss hush money case
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
As credit report errors climb, advocates urge consumers to conduct credit checkups
Pennsylvania courts say it didn’t pay ransom in cyberattack, and attackers never sent a demand
Outer Banks Star Austin North Speaks Out After Arrest Over Alleged Hospital Attack