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The regulator hopes the ruling will deter further use of AI-generated voice impersonation
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has fined US communications systems provider Lingo Telecom $1 million for transmitting robocalls that used a deepfake of President Joe Biden’s voice.
A robocall is an automated phone call that delivers a recorded message, usually on behalf of a political party or telemarketing company.
In this case, the robocalls targeted New Hampshire voters ahead of the Democratic primary in January 2024, urging them not to vote. These calls were reported to the FCC, which quickly launched an investigation.
Lingo Telecom, based in Texas, distributed 3,978 calls in January this year on behalf of a customer named Life Corporation. These calls were organised by political consultant Steve Kramer, who at the time was working for a candidate running against Biden. The FCC’s investigation revealed that Lingo Telecom failed to verify the calls, violating Caller ID authentication rules.
In addition to the $1 million fine, Lingo Telecom has agreed to implement a compliance plan. The plan includes adherence to the FCC’s framework for caller ID authentication. These measures will enhance the vetting process for traffic and ensure the authenticity of caller information, marking a first in FCC enforcement history.
Steve Kramer, the orchestrater of the robocalls, faces a separate $6 million fine and has been formally accused of 26 felony and misdemeanor charges, including voter suppression and impersonation of a candidate.
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella praised the settlement, stating, “This is a major victory for the integrity of elections, especially for New Hampshire and its voters who were targeted.”
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has echoed the support for the fine, stating, “every one of us deserves to know that the voice on the line is exactly who they claim to be. If AI is being used, that should be made clear to any consumer, citizen, and voter who encounters it.”
“Voter intimidation, whether carried out in person or by way of deepfake robocalls, online disinformation campaigns, or other AI-fueled tactics, can stand as a real barrier for voters seeking to exercise their voice in our democracy,” said Kristen Clarke, the head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, in a statement.
The case marks a significant step in addressing the misuse of AI-generated deepfakes in political campaigns and will set a precedent for future enforcement actions. The FCC confirmed the fine sends a “strong message that communications service providers are the first line of defense against these threats and will be held accountable to ensure they do their part to protect the American public.”
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