Impersonating President Biden with the help of voice-cloning technology has landed a scammer in hot water. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a hefty $6 million fine for the individual responsible for using AI-generated voices in illegal robocalls during a New Hampshire primary election. While this incident may primarily revolve around robocalls, the FCC intends to send a clear message to potential high-tech scammers.
The scam occurred in January when voters in New Hampshire received fraudulent calls allegedly from President Biden, urging them not to vote in the upcoming primary. These calls were, of course, fake, utilizing voice cloning technology that has become easily accessible in recent years.
The availability of generative AI platforms has made creating fake voices a simple task. Numerous services offer cloned voices with minimal restrictions or oversight. In fact, it only takes a minute or two of President Biden’s speeches, readily available online, to create your own Biden voice.
However, the FCC and various law enforcement agencies have emphasized that while creating fake voices might be possible, using them to suppress voters through illegal robocalls is strictly prohibited.
Loyaan Egal, chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, stated in a press release that they will take swift and decisive action against those misusing generative AI technology to interfere with elections, defraud consumers, or compromise sensitive data.
The primary perpetrator behind the scam is “political consultant” Steve Kramer, who enlisted the help of the shady Life Corporation and utilized the services of telecom companies such as Lingo (also known as Americatel, BullsEyeComm, Clear Choice Communications, Excel Telecommunications, Impact Telecom, Matrix Business Technologies, Startec Global Communications, Trinsic Communications, VarTec Telecom). While Kramer is currently in violation of several rules, there are no criminal proceedings against him or his collaborators. The FCC’s authority is limited, requiring collaboration with local or federal law enforcement agencies to enforce liability determinations.
The proposed $6 million fine serves as a maximum penalty, although the actual amount paid is often lower due to various factors. Nevertheless, it remains a substantial sum. The next step involves Kramer responding to the allegations, while separate actions are being pursued against Lingo and its various aliases, potentially resulting in fines or lost licenses.
In February, AI-generated voices were officially deemed illegal for use in robocalls following this particular case. The question of whether these voices qualified as “artificial” prompted the FCC to make a sensible decision, ruling that they do indeed fall under the category of artificial voices.
This incident highlights the critical need for regulations and oversight surrounding the use of AI technology to prevent its misuse in areas such as elections and consumer fraud. The FCC’s move to impose a significant fine underscores their commitment to protecting telecommunications networks from abuse and safeguarding democratic processes.
