The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has levied a $6 million fine against a political consultant who created a fake message manipulating President Joe Biden’s voice ahead of the New Hampshire primary last January.
The Associated Press reported on the 23rd (local time) that the FCC fined Steve Kramer, a political consultant who fabricated a fake voice using generative AI technology to imitate President Biden’s voice. He spread false information, stating, “If you vote in the primary, you wouldn’t be able to vote in November (general election),” creating a phone message that encouraged residents to abstain from voting. He is charged with 13 serious crimes such as attempting to obstruct voting with falsehood and other 11 minor offenses.
The FCC also announced that they fined Lingo Telecom $2 million for transmitting the message to the residents.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized, “When the caller sounds like a well-known politician, a celebrity you like, or a familiar family member, anyone can be deceived into believing something that is not true. This is the result that bad actors manipulating voices want.”