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U.S. regulator proposes new rules for AI-generated robocalls and robotexts to protect consumers and stop election misinformation by phone (www.engadget.com)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Archived version

Here is the FCC proposal (pdf)

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has proposed new rules governing the use of AI-generated phone calls and texts. Part of the proposal centers on create a clear definition for AI-generated calls, with the rest focuses on consumer protection by making companies disclose when AI is being used in calls or texts.

"This provides consumers with an opportunity to identify and avoid those calls or texts that contain an enhanced risk of fraud and other scams," the FCC said. The agency is also looking ensure that legitimate uses of AI to assist people with disabilities to communicate remains protected.

Today's proposal is the latest action by the FCC to regulate how AI is used in robocalls and robotexts. The commission has already moved to place a ban on AI-generated voices in robocalls and has called on telecoms to crack down on the practice. Ahead of this year's November election, there has already been one notable use of AI robocalls attempting to spread misinformation to New Hampshire voters.

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 3 months ago (1 children)

This looks like it may be beneficial to the common people of the US. Republicans can't stand idly by and let that happen. I'll expect this to go nowhere.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (1 children)

The FCC restored net neutrality, reversing a Trump decision, to name a recent example. So we shouldn't throw the towel too early. Question is whether the new AI rules will be effective before November ...

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

The courts blocked that rule already I think. net neutrality is on hold indefinitely.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (1 children)

net neutrality is on hold indefinitely.

I would rather say that The fight for net neutrality is forever

Even though progress can feel inevitable, the best laws and regulations are never really permanent; they require maintenance from every generation [...] And it’s still worth fighting for.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

It's more a joke. At this point ISPs really should be designated a telecom.

But, if Chevron Deference is the reason it's on hold, that's not likely to change until either the legislature passes something to say otherwise, or the supreme court swings the other way/toward normalcy. Which, if Harris wins this election and next election, there is a reasonable chance at. Other than their bitterness, some of the oldest and worst on the supreme court are just hanging on until a conservative takes the executive branch again.

Edit: good reason to get out and vote. Not just ensure Trump doesn't win, but also need the Senate to approve supreme court replacements. Otherwise conservatives will just hold up nominations for 4-8 years until they can nominate someone like Alito or Thomas.

Edit Edit: Additional plea to get out and vote for Senators: even if Trump does win, if conservatives don't hold the senate, he can't put another Alito or Thomas on the court. I don't think dems have the backbone to indefinitely block an appointment, but they would approve someone more moderate probably, that can be pursueded on matters such as net neutrality, abortion.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

good reason to get out and vote.

Well said. I wholeheartedly agree.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

Caused me to look back: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States

Before Trump every Supreme Court Justice was approved by over 60% of the senate (except Alito and Thomas). After Trump took office, most are close almost 50/50's. None of them manage to reach 60% anymore. Goes to show how controversial Alito and Thomas were BEFORE things became hyper partisan.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

This is also raising questions of foreign interference/influence in democratic process.

In Canada, the federal Elections Commissioner has been called on to investigate the source of bot campaigns for the leading opposition party: Online bot campaign backing Pierre Pollievre prompts call for probe.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Robocalls and robotexts are a serious problem that nobody takes seriously, and just treats as a fact of life when it doesn't have to be that way. The rest of the world literally laughs at how much we're harassed by them

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

I worked in telecom for a couple of years up until recently. There's actually a growing body of self-regulation going on within the SMS industry. Most notably, any business sending text messages has to apply for a "license" to do so, with some pretty strict consent requirements. Violating those requirements comes with heavy penalties, mostly enforced by downstream carriers. If you're curious, 10DLC/A2P are the terms to Google for.