The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that Lingo Telecom, a voice service provider that transmitted deceptive robocalls using artificial intelligence to mimic President Joe Biden’s voice, has agreed to pay a $1 million fine to settle enforcement action. The FCC had initially sought a $2 million fine, but the settlement with Lingo Telecom aims to resolve the issue. The case has raised concerns about the potential misuse of AI to influence voters and democracy, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on such technologies. Political consultant Steve Kramer, who orchestrated the calls, still faces a proposed $6 million fine from the FCC and state criminal charges.
The robocalls in question were sent to thousands of New Hampshire voters on Jan. 21, featuring a voice similar to Biden’s falsely suggesting that voting in the state’s presidential primary would prevent them from casting ballots in the November general election. Kramer had hired a magician and self-proclaimed “digital nomad” to create the recording, claiming that his intention was not to influence the primary’s outcome but to raise awareness about the dangers of AI. If found guilty, Kramer could face prison sentences for charges of voter suppression and impersonating a candidate.
In addition to the civil fine, Lingo Telecom has agreed to adhere to strict caller ID authentication rules and requirements set by the FCC. The company will also verify the accuracy of information provided by its customers and upstream providers to prevent similar incidents in the future. FCC Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency regarding the use of AI in communications to maintain trust with consumers, citizens, and voters. The FCC’s action aims to protect the integrity of communication networks and prevent the spread of misleading information through AI-generated content.
Lingo Telecom did not respond immediately to requests for comments on the settlement. The company had previously expressed disagreement with the FCC’s actions, labeling it as an attempt to retroactively impose new rules. Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen praised the FCC for taking action against deceptive robocalls and AI-generated deepfakes. Co-president Robert Weissman echoed Rosenworcel’s sentiments, emphasizing consumers’ right to distinguish between authentic content and AI-generated deepfakes. The case illustrates the potential threat deepfakes pose to democracy, as warned by experts and regulators.
FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan Egal highlighted the dangers posed by caller ID spoofing and generative AI voice-cloning technology, noting the risks presented by both domestic political operatives and foreign adversaries seeking to interfere in elections. The FCC’s enforcement actions aim to address these threats and prevent the misuse of AI technologies to deceive voters or manipulate public opinion. As technology continues to evolve, regulators must stay vigilant and enact measures to safeguard the democratic process from malicious actors seeking to exploit emerging technologies for their gain. The settlement with Lingo Telecom serves as a warning to those who may consider using AI to deceive or manipulate voters in the future.
