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FCC considers easing rules for political AI robocalls
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing a petition to relax regulations on political robocalls ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The request, submitted by the Club for Growth, seeks a waiver that would allow political organizations to use prerecorded or artificial intelligence-generated voices in unsolicited calls to wireless phones.
Currently, federal law prohibits most unsolicited robocalls to cellphones without prior consent. While the proposed waiver would still be subject to existing state and federal laws against voter intimidation and deception, consumer advocacy groups express concern. Tim Harper of the Center for Democracy and Technology warned that such a change could provide a significant opportunity for abuse and deceptive targeting during a critical election period.
The Republican-led FCC has moved the request into a public comment phase, with a potential ruling expected as early as late October.
Entities
Center for Democracy and Technology · Club for Growth · Federal Communications Commission · Joe Biden · Tim Harper
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Current federal law prohibits most unsolicited robocalls to mobile phones without prior consent. abc30.com · 6abc.com · abc11.com · abc7news.com · abc7ny.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The FCC is considering a request to loosen rules regarding political robocalls, including those using AI-generated voices. abc30.com · 6abc.com · abc11.com · abc7news.com · abc7ny.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Tim Harper of the Center for Democracy and Technology warns that a ruling near Election Day could facilitate widespread abuse. abc30.com · 6abc.com · abc11.com · abc7news.com · abc7ny.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The FCC has advanced the request for public comment and may issue a ruling as early as late October. abc30.com · 6abc.com · abc11.com · abc7news.com · abc7ny.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Club for Growth argues that the waiver would help political organizations communicate more effectively with voters. abc30.com · 6abc.com · abc11.com · abc7news.com · abc7ny.com