Rep. Eric Sorensen [D-Ill.] is renewing efforts to crack down on robocalls by reintroducing the Quashing Unwanted and Interruptive Electronic Telecommunications (QUIET) Act. The bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani [R-Ariz.], aims to increase penalties for scammers using AI to impersonate individuals and require robocallers to disclose when AI technology is being used.
Why it matters:
Robocalls are a persistent challenge for financial services and debt collection professionals, who already face strict compliance requirements under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. If passed, the QUIET Act could further complicate communication efforts for legitimate businesses that rely on phone outreach to contact consumers.
- AI-driven robocalls have made scams more convincing, leading to increased fraud against vulnerable populations.
- The bill would double penalties for violators who use AI to impersonate individuals or businesses with the intent to defraud.
What they’re saying:
Sorensen:
“The last thing our seniors and working families need is to be bombarded with attacks from scam callers using new technologies to impersonate their loved ones, their bank, or the government.”
Ciscomani:
“The advancement of technology combined with artificial intelligence has transformed robocalls from an occasional nuisance into a powerful tool used by scammers to defraud Americans.”
Rep. Frank Pallone [D-N.J.], House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member:
“Every American is fed up with the constant barrage of illegal robocalls and texts… I look forward to working with Rep. Sorensen to finally put an end to this outrageous abuse.”
How it works:
H.R. 1027, the QUIET Act, would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to:
- Require immediate disclosure if AI is used in a robocall or text message.
- Define AI-powered robocalls as those using synthetic voices or automated messages.
- Double financial penalties for using AI-generated voices to impersonate individuals or organizations.
