FCC Proposes New Rules to Tackle AI Robocalls Menace

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intensified its battle against AI-generated robocalls and robo texts by proposing new disclosure rules for the sources of these unwanted communications.

The new rules aim to define AI-generated calls and establish requirements for disclosure. Under the new proposal, callers would need to inform consumers in advance if they plan to use AI-generated calls or text messages when obtaining prior express consent. 

Additionally, callers would be required to disclose on each call that it is AI-generated, giving consumers a chance to recognize and avoid calls or texts that may pose a higher risk of fraud and other scams.

This item also proposes protections to ensure that positive uses of AI that already help people with disabilities use the telephone network can thrive without threat of Telephone Consumer Protection Act liability.  In a Notice of Inquiry, the Commission seeks additional comment and information on developing technologies that can alert consumers to AI-generated unwanted and illegal calls and texts.

“This kind of transparency is important.  It is also important to wrestle this technology for good.  So today we also ask how people with speech or hearing disabilities might use AI-voice technologies.  And we continue to ask questions about how we can harness the benefits of AI to detect scams on our networks before they ever reach us on our phones.  

We have more work to do.  But I am an optimist and I believe all of this is possible.  I also believe this kind of transparency is what we need to build a digital future that works for everyone,”  FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said.

Interestingly, earlier this year, Rosenworcel proposed making robocalls illegal under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which is also the primary law the FCC uses to help limit junk calls.

In November, the FCC initiated a Notice of Inquiry to gather information on combating illegal robocalls and exploring the role of AI. The agency investigated AI's involvement in scams originating from spam calls, including voice mimicry of familiar individuals, and whether regulatory oversight under the TCPA should apply.