Insights

FCC Proposes New Rules to Combat AI-Generated Robocalls

Jul 17, 2024

On July 16, 2024, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed a new groundbreaking consumer protection against AI-generated robocalls. The proposal aims to require callers to disclose their use of AI in robocalls and seeks to protect the benefits of AI for communication accessibility. If approved at the FCC's August 2024 Open Meeting, the new rules would define AI-generated calls, mandate disclosure when obtaining consent and inform consumers during AI-generated calls. This is a step towards empowering consumers to avoid misleading and fraudulent calls. Additionally, the proposal seeks to safeguard positive uses of AI for people with disabilities and develop technologies to alert consumers about unwanted AI-generated calls. 

Chairwoman Rosenworcel emphasized the urgency of these measures, citing the misuse of AI in robocalls to deceive and misinform the public. The proposed Notice of Proposed Rulemaking builds on previous actions by the FCC, including a Declaratory Ruling against voice cloning scams, proposed fines for illegal AI-generated robocalls spreading election misinformation and initiatives to prevent fraudulent political robocalls. The FCC has also co-hosted a workshop with the National Science Foundation to address AI-related consumer issues and is considering requiring disclosures for AI-generated content in political ads. These proposed rules are part of the FCC’s broader strategy to protect consumers from AI-driven scams and misinformation. 

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