The Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Jessica Rosenworcel, has suggested classifying calls featuring AI-generated voices as illegal under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The proposal comes in response to AI-generated messages imitating U.S. President Joe Biden’s voice during the 2024 presidential election. The TCPA, a 1991 law, regulates automated political and marketing calls without the receiver’s consent. The surge in AI-driven robocalls, capable of mimicking various voices, has prompted the FCC to equip state attorneys general with tools to pursue legal action against those responsible. The proposal aims to strengthen consumer protection against intrusive and misleading communications.
Rosenworcel’s proposal represents a significant step in addressing the rising threat of AI-generated voice calls and their potential misuse, especially in the context of election interference. By leveraging the existing legal framework of the TCPA, the FCC aims to combat the deceptive nature of robocalls that utilize AI to impersonate public figures. The move reflects the broader concern about the misuse of AI technologies, particularly in the creation of deepfakes, which can have severe implications for disinformation campaigns. As regulators grapple with the challenges posed by AI-generated content, this proposal underscores the need for proactive measures to safeguard individuals from deceptive practices and maintain the integrity of communication channels. (Source: Cointelegraph)
