The United States has implemented a law banning AI-generated voice robocalls in response to scams targeting thousands of people across the country. The decision comes amid an increase in voice cloning being used for fraudulent purposes, including coercing vulnerable people, impersonating a public figure and presenting false information to voters.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the election: Criminals are using fake voicemails from callers to extort money from unsuspecting victims, impersonate celebrities, and defraud people. These scammers have become a growing concern, growing in confidence and posing a new threat to voter fraud and the campaign season.
1/ The FCC made the right call yesterday to ban the use of AI generated voices in robocalls. Robocalls aren’t just a daily nuisance; they pose a growing threat to normal Americans’ financial security and the integrity of our elections. pic.twitter.com/q2tOxQA8dX
— Daniel Colson (@DanielColson6) February 9, 2024
The swiftly implemented ban gives regulators the power to penalize companies that use artificial intelligence in calls or work with service providers that support applications.
The move follows an incident involving scammers impersonating President Joe Biden in an attempt to prevent people from voting in the Democratic primary in New Hampshire. FCC Commissioner Jeffrey Starks called for immediate action against this emerging threat, saying that the use of artificial intelligence increases the likelihood of fraud.
Victims of this scam are reportedly the first to be contacted by robocalls and engage in conversation before being forced to hand over their money. People are warned of the consequences if they refuse to comply.
News: FCC outlaws AI voice-cloning in robocalls, a decisive move to combat fraud. This immediate ban empowers state attorneys to target scammers mimicking voices from politicians to family members, addressing a surge in sophisticated voice fraud. #AIRegulation #RobocallBan #FCC
— Dezmond Hollins (@Dezmond4L) February 9, 2024
This restriction is an important step in preventing fraud through automatic calls and aims to protect consumers from becoming victims of fraud. While the police continue to fight against these bad practices, the public must remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.