FCC Outlaws AI-generated Robocalls, Citing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act
In a groundbreaking move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned the use of robocalls that feature voices generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The ruling, which was declared on February 8, 2024, states that AI-generated voices, including clones of real people’s voices, are considered artificial and are therefore prohibited under the 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act. This decision comes in response to a recent robocall that mimicked President Joe Biden’s voice and disseminated false information about a primary election. The FCC’s objective is to eliminate the use of AI deepfakes to inject confusion and potentially suppress votes.
Investigation Underway for Deepfake Biden Robocall, Two Companies Identified
The New Hampshire attorney general’s office, in collaboration with the FCC, is currently investigating a recent robocall that featured what appeared to be President Joe Biden’s voice. The call, which took place on January 21, 2024, encouraged Biden supporters and Democrats not to participate in the state’s upcoming Republican primary election. It falsely suggested that a registered Democrat could vote in the primary and be ineligible to vote in the general election later in the year. The attorney general, John Formella, has identified two Texas companies, Life Corp. and Lingo Telecom, as the source and transmitter of the call.
AI-Enhanced Robocalls Pose Challenges for Media and Disinformation Scholars
As a media and disinformation scholar, the author highlights the challenges posed by AI-enhanced robocalls, particularly deepfakes. Deepfake technology allows for the creation of highly realistic audio and video manipulations, making it difficult to discern between genuine and fabricated content. Unmasking the source of such deepfakes often requires tracking metadata, which is complicated by the varying methods of distribution, including robocalls, social media, email, text messages, and websites. The author emphasizes the importance of relying on timely, accurate, and locally verified sources of information to combat disinformation campaigns.
Society Must Prioritize Timely, Accurate, Local Knowledge Over Disruption
To combat the spread of disinformation, the author advocates for the prioritization of “TALK”: timely, accurate, local knowledge. It is essential to design social media systems that value accuracy and local information over disruption and divisiveness. Additionally, efforts should be made to prevent those who seek to undermine democracy from profiting. The malicious use of technology to suppress voter turnout should be vigorously investigated by federal and state law enforcement authorities. While deepfakes may catch people off guard, the author emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and relying on verified sources to combat disinformation.
Conclusion: Prepare for Continued AI-Enhanced Disinformation
As AI technology becomes more accessible, the prevalence of AI-enhanced disinformation campaigns is likely to increase. These campaigns, including deepfake robocalls, pose significant challenges to the public’s ability to discern fact from fiction. Despite recent legal rulings outlawing AI-generated robocalls, the author stresses the importance of continuing to stay informed and diligently scrutinizing information from non-verified sources. It is crucial for society to prioritize accurate, timely, and locally verified knowledge while actively working to counter disinformation and its potential impact on democratic processes.
Analyst comment
Positive: FCC Outlaws AI-generated Robocalls, Citing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act
Analyst’s comment: This ruling is a positive step towards eliminating the use of AI deepfakes for robocalls. It aims to prevent confusion and potential voter suppression.
Negative: Investigation Underway for Deepfake Biden Robocall, Two Companies Identified
Analyst’s comment: The investigation into the deepfake robocall is a negative development, highlighting the prevalence of disinformation campaigns. Identifying the source and transmitter is essential to address the issue.
Neutral: AI-Enhanced Robocalls Pose Challenges for Media and Disinformation Scholars
Analyst’s comment: The challenges posed by AI-enhanced robocalls are neutral. Media and disinformation scholars need to adapt to deepfake technology and combat disinformation campaigns effectively.
Neutral: Society Must Prioritize Timely, Accurate, Local Knowledge Over Disruption
Analyst’s comment: The call to prioritize accurate information and combat disinformation is neutral. It emphasizes the importance of relying on verified sources and investigating attempts to undermine democracy.
Neutral: Conclusion: Prepare for Continued AI-Enhanced Disinformation
Analyst’s comment: The conclusion warns about the increasing prevalence of AI-enhanced disinformation campaigns. It highlights the need for staying informed and scrutinizing information from non-verified sources.
