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$6M fine for robocaller who used AI to clone Biden's voice | TechCrunch

May 23, 2024 - techcrunch.com
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a $6 million fine for a scammer who used voice-cloning technology to impersonate President Biden in illegal robocalls during a New Hampshire primary election. The scammer, political consultant Steve Kramer, allegedly collaborated with the Life Corporation and telecom company Lingo, both of which have been previously charged with illegal robocalls. The FCC's action is seen as a warning to potential high-tech scammers, emphasizing that the misuse of generative AI technology to interfere with elections, defraud consumers, or compromise sensitive data will not be tolerated.

The FCC has declared the use of AI-generated voices in robocalls illegal, a decision prompted by this case. However, the FCC's power is limited and they must collaborate with local or federal law enforcement to enforce their determinations of liability. The proposed $6 million fine is more of a maximum limit, with the actual amount often being much less. The next step is for Kramer to respond to the allegations, while separate actions are being taken against Lingo, which may result in additional fines or lost licenses.

Key takeaways:

  • The FCC has proposed a $6 million fine for a scammer who used voice-cloning technology to impersonate President Biden in illegal robocalls during a New Hampshire primary election.
  • The scammer, political consultant Steve Kramer, used the services of the Life Corporation and telecom company Lingo, both of which have been previously charged with illegal robocalls.
  • The FCC has made it clear that using generative AI technology to interfere with elections, defraud consumers, or compromise sensitive data will not be tolerated.
  • AI-generated voices were officially declared illegal to use in robocalls in February, following this case.
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