AI voice and voice-bot calls without consent

AI voices are “artificial voices” under the law

In February 2024, the Federal Communications Commission ruled that calls using AI-generated voices, including voice cloning, use an “artificial or prerecorded voice” under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. That means the same consent rules apply as for any other robocall.

Signs you’re talking to a bot

• A friendly voice that answers questions but repeats itself or pauses oddly.
• A “representative” who can’t give a callback number or company address.
• Calls that sound like a celebrity, a public official, or someone you know asking for money.
• An automated sales pitch that transfers you to a live agent only after you show interest.

What the law allows

Each unlawful AI-voice call can be worth $500, and up to $1,500 if the caller acted willfully or knowingly 47 U.S.C. § 227(b)(3). Florida and Texas residents may also have claims under state law.

What to do now

• Don’t delete anything. Screenshot each text so the sender’s number, date, and time show.
• Save voicemails and note the date, time, and caller ID of each robocall.
• Write down whether you ever gave the company your number, and when you replied “STOP.”
• Check your Do Not Call registration date at donotcall.gov.
• Don’t reply with anything but “STOP,” and don’t click links in spam messages.

Questions