U.S. government bans AI-generated phone calls to protect consumers from voice cloning scams

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated voices for robocalls in an effort to protect consumers from voice cloning scams.

Thursday’s unanimous ruling deems calls made using artificial intelligence-generated voices “artificial” calls under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, according to the Federal Communications Commission.

“Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited automated calls to extort vulnerable family members, impersonate celebrities, and mislead voters.” FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement “We are in the process of reporting the fraudsters behind these robocalls. “

“State attorneys general will now have new tools to combat these scams and ensure the public is protected from fraud and misinformation,” she added.

Meanwhile, authorities in New Hampshire continue to investigate artificial intelligence-generated robocalls that used the voice of U.S. President Joe Biden to prevent people from voting in the state’s first national primary election last month.

“This technology now has the potential to confuse consumers with misinformation by impersonating the voices of celebrities, political candidates and close family members,” the agency said.

The regulations, which take effect immediately, authorize the FCC to fine companies that use artificial intelligence voices in calls or block service providers that use artificial intelligence voices. It also opens the door for phone recipients to sue and gives state attorneys general a new mechanism to crack down on violators, according to the FCC.

The ruling, which takes effect immediately, allows the FCC to fine companies that use artificial intelligence voices in calls or restrict service providers that use artificial intelligence voices.

It also allows callers to sue and gives state attorneys general a new tool to enforce violations, according to the FCC.

(This article has not been edited by News18 staff and is published by IANS, the associated news agency)