CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission has imposed a $6 million fine on a political consultant who sent AI-generated robocalls that mimicked President Joe Biden’s voice to voters ahead of New Hampshire’s presidential primaries.
Steve Kramer, who also faces 20 criminal charges in New Hampshire, has admitted to orchestrating a message sent to thousands of voters two days before the nation’s first primary on Jan. 23. The message played an AI-generated voice. voice similar to that of Biden, who used his phrase “What a bunch of malarkey” and falsely suggested that voting in the primaries would deter voters from voting in November.
Court documents show Kramer faces 13 counts of violating New Hampshire’s law against trying to deter someone from voting using misleading information. He also faces 11 felony charges, accusing him of falsely representing himself as a candidate through his own conduct or that of someone else. The charges have been filed in four counties but, as often happens with serious crimes, will be prosecuted by the attorney general’s office.
Kramer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday, but rather said he wanted to send a wake-up call about the dangers of artificial intelligence.
The FCC also imposed a $2 million fine on Lingo Telecom, which is accused of relaying the calls. A company spokesperson did not immediately respond to a call for comment Thursday.
FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel said regulators are committed to helping states pursue perpetrators. In a statement, she called the robocalls “unnerving.”
“Because if a caller sounds like a politician you know, a celebrity you like, or a well-known family member, any of us could be tricked into believing something that isn’t true when calling using AI technology,” said them in a position. “It’s exactly how the bad actors behind these unwanted calls with manipulated voices want you to respond.”
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Swenson reported from New York.
