FCC proposes new regulations for AI-generated robocalls

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unveiled a proposal to tighten regulations on AI-generated robocalls. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel seeks public input on defining AI-generated calls, mandating disclosure by those using such technology, and supporting technologies that alert consumers to unlawful AI robocalls. The proposal aims to balance consumer protection with enabling beneficial uses of AI for people with disabilities.

State attorneys general would gain new powers to target businesses using AI-generated robocalls under the proposal, which the FCC will vote on in August 2024. In February 2024, the FCC classified calls with AI-generated voices as ‘artificial’ under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), making robocalls using voice cloning technology illegal. The agency has highlighted the risk of misinformation through AI calls imitating celebrities, politicians, and family members.

Rosenworcel’s initiative follows a series of FCC actions against AI-generated robocalls, including significant fines and mandates for service providers to combat illegal robocalls. Recently, the FCC fined a service provider and political operative $8 million for a campaign using voice-cloned calls of President Joe Biden to mislead voters before the New Hampshire primary.

The proposal reflects ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by AI in telecommunications, aligning with broader industry calls for regulatory measures against scam robocalls and a cautious approach to AI regulation.