Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a landmark ruling outlawing unsolicited robocalls featuring AI-generated voices. The decision, announced unanimously by the FCC, underscores the agency’s commitment to protecting consumers from fraudulent and misleading telecommunications practices. According to the FCC’s ruling, callers utilizing AI technology for robocalls must obtain prior consent from recipients, in adherence to the regulations outlined in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991.
The FCC’s action comes in the wake of an investigation into a Texas-based company accused of deploying AI-generated robocalls in New Hampshire, where they imitated President Biden’s voice to dissuade voters from participating in the state’s primary election. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel condemned such malicious activities, emphasizing the detrimental impact of AI-generated robocalls on vulnerable individuals and democratic processes. The FCC’s enforcement bureau has issued a cease-and-desist letter to the offending company, signaling a proactive approach to curb illicit robocall practices.
Moreover, the FCC’s ruling extends existing telemarketing regulations to AI-generated robocalls, ensuring that recipients are afforded the opportunity to opt out and providing recourse for legal action against violators. With fines of up to $23,000 per call and potential damages of $1,500 per unsolicited outreach, the regulation empowers both federal and state authorities to penalize offenders and safeguard consumers’ rights. As Americans continue to face a deluge of robocalls, estimated at nearly 4.3 billion in January alone, the FCC’s decisive action marks a crucial step in mitigating the pervasive threat of fraudulent telecommunications practices.
