Most robocalls are illegal in the U.S., but Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) says that won’t stop a deluge of election-season calls and other campaign advertisements.
He’s most concerned about recorded calls and ads that use artificial intelligence (AI) to produce so-called “deepfake” content, spreading election disinformation. Blumenthal is calling for further bipartisan federal legislation to contain them.
“These ‘deepfakes’ are a pernicious, persistent and immediate danger of distortion and deception,” says Blumenthal, whose bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), would require that calls and ads using AI self-report to their targets:
“Deepfake impersonations, false voices can be used all to easily in campaign ads—but other ads as well. And so, requiring disclosure that artificial intelligence technology has been used in that ad, whether it’s a phone call, or a text, or something on the tube, is absolutely essential.”
The bill would also establish an independent oversight body. Blumenthal doesn’t rule out passage of the bill before the November election, saying a bipartisan coalition could get behind safeguards which could prove vital during this election season.
Political operatives have already used AI to deceive, famously reproducing the voice of President Biden to discourage voters from taking part in the New Hampshire primaries. The voice on a robocall said, “It’s important that you save your vote for the November election.” A Democratic political consultant admits to spawning the call and faces FCC fines and criminal charges.
You can report unwanted or otherwise suspicious robocalls to 1-888-CALL-FCC.
