Company that made AI calls mimicking Biden to NH voters to pay $1M fine

In a striking case concerning the intersection of technology and democracy, a company responsible for misleading robocalls in New Hampshire has agreed to pay a substantial fine. Lingo Telecom, a voice service provider, will pay $1 million to settle investigations by federal regulators over calls that employed artificial intelligence to impersonate President Joe Biden.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initially aimed for a $2 million fine before reaching this settlement. This case highlights growing concerns regarding the use of advanced technology to impact voter behavior and public trust in democratic processes.

Steve Kramer, a political consultant who orchestrated the controversial calls, faces ongoing legal battles, including a proposed $6 million fine from the FCC and additional state criminal charges. His robocalls, sent to thousands of voters on January 21, featured a voice that closely resembled Biden’s, falsely claiming that participating in the state’s presidential primary would prevent them from voting in the subsequent general election.

Kramer hired a magician and self-described “digital nomad” to craft the misleading audio. He previously stated that his intentions were not to sway the election results but rather to illuminate potential threats posed by AI technology and prompt lawmakers to take action.

If found guilty, Kramer could face severe penalties, including up to seven years in prison for voter suppression and an additional year for impersonation. The charges reflect the gravity with which authorities are treating this incident.

As part of the settlement, Lingo Telecom has agreed not only to pay the civil fine but also to implement stricter caller ID authentication measures. The company is now required to ensure that the information provided by its clients is accurate and thoroughly verified.

FCC chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of transparency in telecommunications. “Every one of us deserves to know that the voice on the line is exactly who they claim to be,” she stated. “If AI is being used, that should be made clear to any consumer, citizen, and voter who encounters it. The FCC will act when trust in our communications networks is on the line.”

In response to the settlement, Lingo Telecom did not immediately comment but had previously expressed strong disagreement with the FCC’s actions, arguing that the regulatory body was attempting to impose new rules retroactively.

Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen has praised the FCC’s decision. Co-president Robert Weissman noted that Rosenworcel’s comments about consumer rights accurately capture the situation. He warned that deepfake technology, such as that used in these calls, presents “an existential threat to our democracy.”

FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan Egal highlighted the dangers posed by a combination of caller ID spoofing and generative AI. He stated that this technology could lead to significant threats, whether executed by domestic players looking for political leverage or foreign entities aiming to interfere with elections.

As cases like this emerge, regulators and lawmakers face mounting pressure to address the implications of how AI can affect democracy and electoral integrity. With technology evolving at a rapid pace, safeguarding the electoral process has become increasingly critical.

In a time when misinformation can easily spread, the importance of clear regulations and consumer awareness has never been more paramount. The developments in this case serve as a crucial reminder of the evolving landscape of political communication and the role technology plays in it.