In a recent move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has put forward new regulations that would require robocallers to inform recipients when artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in phone calls or text messages.

This proposal is an extension of the FCC's existing rules, which prohibit AI-generated robocalls without the explicit consent of the recipient. Under the new guidelines, callers would need to disclose whether they intend to use AI when asking for that consent. Additionally, any AI-generated calls would be required to include a disclosure, as the FCC points out that these types of calls are particularly vulnerable to fraud and scams.

The FCC defines an “AI-generated call” as any call or message that utilizes technology to create an artificial or prerecorded voice or text. This includes the use of machine learning algorithms, predictive models, and large language models to produce voice or text content for communication.

The proposed regulations also consider exceptions for individuals with speech and hearing disabilities who use AI-generated voice technology to assist in making calls. In these cases, the FCC stipulates that no unsolicited advertisements should be included, and the recipient of the call should not incur any charges. The agency is currently seeking input on how to prevent potential misuse of this exemption by scammers and ways to enhance its regulations to safeguard consumers.