US set to ban robocalls generated by artificial intelligence
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The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed to make it illegal to use voice cloning technology in automated phone calls. This would make it easier to prosecute companies involved in such scams.
Here's What We Know
Currently, automated calls are not illegal per se. However, the FCC wants to amend existing law so that voice generation technology modelled on a real person would fall into the category of "artificial" voices, which are already prohibited by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
According to FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel, this will give law enforcement agencies additional tools to combat fraudulent calls and protect consumers. In particular, it will become easier to prosecute those who use technology for voter suppression or other illegal activities.
The FCC points out that there are relatively few legal ways to use voice cloning technology. At the same time, the potential for abuse is very high. Therefore, the commission believes it is necessary to completely ban this practice in automated calls.
The FCC's decision is still preliminary and must be approved within the agency before becoming official and binding.
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Source: TechCrunch