The comment period officially opened yesterday on a Federal Communications Commission proposal to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in robocalls and robotexts.
Why it matters: The proposed rules could significantly impact how collection agencies and financial institutions communicate with consumers, potentially requiring new disclosures and consent processes.
Driving the news: The FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on August 8, addressing the growing use of AI-generated robocalls and robotexts.
- The comment period opened on September 10 with the publication of the proposal in the Federal Register, with initial comments due by October 10 and reply comments due by October 25.
What it does: The NPRM defines an AI-generated call as any call that uses computational technology, machine learning, or large language models to create artificial voice or text content. Under the proposed rules, callers would need to disclose their use of AI technology to consumers during outbound calls. This includes both voice calls and text messages generated using AI.
Other key components
- Mandate clear disclosure when obtaining consent for AI-generated calls.
- Exempt calls made by individuals with disabilities using AI technologies to communicate.
Between the lines: The FCC aims to protect consumers from potential AI abuses while allowing beneficial uses, particularly for accessibility.
What they’re saying: “It is critical that the Commission stay abreast of new technologies that may impact the privacy protections afforded to consumers under the TCPA,” the FCC stated in the NPRM.
The big picture: This rulemaking follows a 2023 inquiry into how the FCC could use its Telephone Consumer Protection Act authority to address AI-generated calls.
