Lingo Telecom has agreed to a $1 million settlement following allegations of transmitting fake robocalls that imitated President Joe Biden in an attempt to dissuade voters during New Hampshire’s Democratic primary. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the fine on Wednesday, detailing that Lingo used generative AI voice-cloning technology to spread misinformation.
The fraudulent robocalls were orchestrated by political consultant Steve Kramer, who has also been charged by the New Hampshire state attorney general’s office. Initially, the FCC proposed a $2 million fine for Lingo but settled at $1 million. As part of the settlement, Lingo will implement a compliance plan to adhere strictly to FCC caller ID authentication rules.
Kramer, who had worked for Biden’s primary challenger, U.S. Representative Dean Phillips, admitted to paying $500 for the robocalls in an effort to draw attention to the issue. Thousands of New Hampshire residents received messages urging them to delay voting until November.
The FCC has proposed a $6 million fine for Kramer and is considering new rules requiring political ads to disclose AI-generated content. With growing concerns about AI’s potential to mislead voters, the FCC aims to enhance transparency in political advertising.
The commission is also pushing for regulations on broadcast media to disclose AI involvement, though it lacks authority over internet or social media ads. This development underscores the increasing scrutiny of AI’s role in shaping electoral processes.
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