Sen. Chuck Schumer wants the FCC to refuse a request to let political groups call cell phones with AI voices without consent. A decision could come this week.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to say no to a request that would let political groups call cell phones with AI-generated voices without first getting the person's consent. The comment period ended Oct 19, so the FCC could act this week, ahead of the Nov 3 election.
The request comes from Club for Growth, a conservative group that plans to spend US$175 million in the midterm elections. It wants to make political calls to cell phones using an artificial or prerecorded voice, including an AI voice, without prior express consent. Its president, David McIntosh, says political speech should be treated like calls about package deliveries, bank accounts and doctor's appointments.
Schumer warns that campaigns could use opponents' voices to send misleading messages. He pointed to 2024, when the FCC proposed a US$6 million fine on a political consultant over fake robocalls that mimicked Joe Biden's voice and urged New Hampshire voters not to vote in the Democratic primary. FCC commissioner Anna Gomez and several public interest groups also oppose the petition.
A spokesperson for FCC chairman Brendan Carr did not comment right away, so it is unclear which way the agency will go. Businesses that call or text customers should keep their consent records current in case the rules on AI voices and consent change.
The FCC could soon rule on AI-voice political calls without consent, so any business that calls or texts customers should keep consent records current.
Google Home can now check your home Wi-Fi to decide if you are there, which may fix lights and thermostats that misfire when you come and go.
Read more: A Wi-Fi setting makes Google Home know when you're really homeA federal judge says Delta must face a proposed class action over window seat fees, a case that could cost the airline millions and affects anyone who pays extra for a seat.
Read more: Judge says Delta must face class action over window seat feesApple raised prices across its services this year, including Apple One. Here is what each plan includes and who actually saves money.
Read more: Apple One now costs $22 to $40 a month: which plan pays off
