AI-Generated Voices in Robocalls Are Now Illegal

It's now illegal in the US for robocallers to use AI-generated voices, thanks to a new ruling by the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday. In a unanimous decision, the FCC expands the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA, to cover robocall scams that contain AI voice clones. The new rule goes into effect immediately, allowing the commission to fine companies and block providers for making these types of calls. "Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters," FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement on Thursday. The move comes a few days after the FCC and New Hampshire attorney general John Formella identified Life Corporation as the company behind the mysterious robocalls imitating President Joe Biden last month before the state's primary election.