FCC Takes Action: AI-Generated Voices In Robocalls Illegal

Man frowning receiving telemarketing robot call taped voice, robocall

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Nobody wants to deal with robocalls. You know, those calls that deliver pre-recorded messages through auto-dialing software. Don’t get us wrong; sometimes robocalls are actually useful. They provide useful information like appointment reminders and flight cancellations. But most of the time, they’re trying to sell you something or the kick-off to a potential scam.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced new rules that make robocalls generated by artificial intelligence (AI) illegal. These new rules came shortly after voters in New Hampshire received robocalls that sounded like President Joe Biden telling them not to vote in the state's Democratic primary.

AI-generated robocalls will be violations.

According to the FCC, AI-generated robocalls will be violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). “Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters. We’re putting the fraudsters behind these robocalls on notice,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. The FCC Chairwoman went on to say that State Attorneys General will now have new tools to crack down on these kinds of scams. This is to make sure the public is protected from fraud and misinformation.

AI technologies that resemble human voices can’t be used unless the receiver of the call agrees. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act was enacted in 1991. It set rules for telemarketers, such as not calling residences after 9 p.m., honoring a "Do Not Call" registry, and not making prerecorded calls to services such as hospitals and physicians' offices.

In November of 2023, the FCC launched a Notice of Inquiry. They did this to better understand how the agency can combat illegal robocalls and how AI might be involved. The agency asked questions on how AI might be used for scams that arise out of junk calls, by mimicking the voices of those we know, and whether this technology should be subject to oversight under the TCPA. Similarly, the FCC also asked about how AI can help us with pattern recognition so that we turn this technology into a force for good that can recognize illegal robocalls before they ever reach consumers on the phone.

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Kayla MorganWriter

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.