Will the rise of AI programs like ChatGPT lead to even more devious robocalls?
The worry has prompted the Federal Communications Commission to consider investigating the threat of AI supercharging robocalls. On Monday, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said she’ll ask the agency to open a formal inquiry into the matter during its Nov. 15 public meeting.
However, the investigation won’t just look at the danger. If approved, it would also “begin an inquiry into strengths and vulnerabilities of using AI technologies to protect consumers from unwanted robocalls and texts under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act,” the FCC said.
AI programs, such as voice cloning, have been abused to perpetuate phone-based scams. For example, cloning the voice of a loved one to say they’re in trouble and need immediate financial assistance when really it’s a ruse to trick victims into sending the scammer money.
Generative AI could upgrade robocalls even more. Current robocalls deliver a pre-recorded message. An AI-powered robocall, on the other hand, could take the scheme to the next level, ditching the pre-recorded audio for convincing messages crafted in real-time that can respond to the victim throughout the call—no human fraudster needed.
Despite the rising threat, Roscenworcel is refraining from embarking on a full crackdown on AI use in phone calls and text messages. That’s because the same technology could help the FCC and consumers stamp out spam calls too. For instance, Google uses AI for a call-screening feature that will allow Google Assistant to answer suspected spam calls on the user's behalf.
“While we are aware of the challenges AI can present, there is also significant potential to use this technology to benefit communications networks and their customers—including in the fight against junk robocalls and robotexts,” Roscenworcel said in the announcement. “We need to address these opportunities and risks thoughtfully.”
According to Roscenworcel, the call for the formal inquiry will examine how AI could impact the FCC’s existing regulations, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which was designed to stop telemarketing calls.
Another focus will look at “if the Commission should consider ways to verify the authenticity of legitimately generated AI voice or text content from trusted sources.” The inquiry would then propose next steps the FCC could take.
