FCC says robocallers can't pretend to be humans during calls
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has put forth a proposal, aimed at enhancing consumer protection against unsolicited and illegal robocalls powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The plan seeks to clearly define AI-generated calls and texts, and establish regulations for their usage. A key component of this proposal is the mandatory disclosure by AI voices that they are synthetic at the start of each call. This means the robocalls can no longer pretend to be humans.
Non-compliance could lead to heavy fines
The FCC's latest proposal is part of a larger campaign to combat the growing issue of robocalls, which have become not only an annoyance but also a tool to initiate cybercrimes. The integration of AI in these fraudulent activities makes them more challenging to identify and avoid, necessitating the disclosure requirement for AI-generated voices. Non-compliance with this regulation could lead to substantial penalties.
Previous ruling on voice cloning technology
The current proposal is an extension of the FCC's Declaratory Ruling earlier this year, which made it illegal to use voice cloning technology in robocalls without the recipient's consent. This ruling was triggered by an incident where a deepfake voice clone of President Joe Biden created using ElevenLabs' tech, used caller ID spoofing to disseminate false information to New Hampshire voters before the January 2024 primary election. Later, the user account responsible for this was shut down by ElevenLabs.
Plans to introduce tools to identify AI calls
In addition to regulating the sources of AI calls, the FCC intends to roll out tools that will alert individuals when they are receiving AI-generated robocalls or robotexts. These could include enhanced call filters, AI-driven detection algorithms, or improved caller ID systems capable of identifying and flagging AI-generated calls. This is especially relevant for those that are unsolicited or illegal.
FCC Chairwoman emphasizes transparency and swift action
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stated, "Facing a rising tide of disinformation, roughly three-quarters of Americans say they are concerned about misleading AI-generated content." She stressed that the FCC's emphasis on transparency and quick action against fraud could help leverage the advantages of these technologies while minimizing their risks.
