Say Goodbye to Fake Voice Robocalls! FCC Bans Deceptive Tactics

Posted in Consumer Protection, Health & Wellness, In the news on February 12, 2024

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made a big move to stop those annoying robocalls with fake voices made by computers.

Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, a law established in 1991 to curb unwanted calls, the FCC has outlawed the use of AI voice-cloning tools in robocalls. This decision means that using fake voices made by computers to trick people, especially during the elections, is now against the law. Companies that use fake computer voices in their calls can get fined or even have their phone service turned off. And if you get one of these calls, you can take legal action.

The head of the FCC, Jessica Rosenworcel, says they had to do something because more fake voice calls were happening. This decision came after both Democrats and Republicans agreed it was a problem. One of the big reasons for this decision was a case in New Hampshire where robocalls with a voice that sounded like President Joe Biden were trying to stop people from voting in the state’s primary.

As the FCC cracks down on fake voice robocalls, it reminds us to stay alert and protect ourselves from scams, especially during important events like elections.