The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new consumer protection policies against robocalls generated with artificial intelligence (AI).
These new policies would require companies to disclose that they are using AI-generated calls.
The TCPA prohibits companies from initiating a residential call using this technology “without the prior express consent of the called party.”
It also prohibits “any telephone facsimile machine, computer, or other device” from sending advertisements unless there has been an established relationship or if the company acquired the resident’s number from a location where it was knowingly submitted, such as a phone book or internet site.
The TCPA authorizes the FCC to “prescribe technical and procedural standards for systems that are used to transmit any artificial or prerecorded messages via telephone.”
“Complaints regarding unwanted and illegal robocalls and robotexts are consistently the top category of consumer complaints that we receive,” the FCC stated in its report.
AI Technologies Defined
The FCC defines AI technologies as “any program which emulates any aspect of human intelligence, such as a human voice.”FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said in the NOI that because the future of AI is uncertain, intersecting agencies must evaluate its potential to “impact, if not transform” society.
“Because of that potential, each part of our government bears a responsibility to better understand the risks and opportunities presented within its mandate, while being mindful of the limits of its experience and its authority,” he said. “And in this era of rapid technological change, we must collaborate, lending our learnings and sharing our expertise across agencies to better serve our citizens and consumers.”
The FCC has proposed a $6 million fine against Mr. Kramer.
“The consequences for consumers and the threat to our democratic processes warrant a strong response,” Ms. Gomez said. “That is why this proposed penalty is so important, as the Commission must do what is within our power to deter scams manipulating AI to prey on consumers and to threaten our democratic processes.”