Staff Reports
The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, recently slapped a $6 million fine on a political consultant named Steven Kramer for using artificial intelligence to make robocalls that sounded like President Joe Biden. These calls violated laws about caller identification and aimed to discourage people from voting in New Hampshire’s presidential primary. After confessing to the scheme, Kramer faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.
Additionally, the FCC imposed a $2 million fine on Lingo Telecom, LLC for its involvement in making illegal robocalls. Both fines resulted from the first large-scale instance of artificial intelligence being exploited in national politics. In light of this, the FCC implemented a new rule to prohibit unsolicited AI robocalls.
The FCC issued a $6 million fine against a political consultant who sent artificial intelligence-generated robocalls impersonating President Joe Biden’s voice to voters before New Hampshire’s presidential primary. https://t.co/klU3AOYoKQ
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) May 24, 2024
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the danger of AI-generated calls, stressing the potential for confusion and misinformation. She asserted that these calls could deceive people by mimicking the voices of familiar figures like politicians or celebrities, ultimately misleading them.
Kramer, who previously worked on a Democratic primary campaign, has asserted that he used the robocalls to raise awareness about the risks of AI, arguing that his actions would ultimately lead to a better democracy. However, the FCC and New Hampshire’s state attorney general are determined to hold him accountable for his actions, signaling a strong stance against election interference.
