Firms Face Charges Over NH AI Robocall Scheme
The key takeaway is that authorities in New Hampshire have identified two Texas companies, Life Corporation and Lingo Telecom, as being connected to illegal AI-generated robocalls that tried to discourage voters before the New Hampshire primary election. Cease-and-desist orders have been issued.
Summary
- Authorities believe Life Corporation was the source of robocalls using AI to mimic President Biden's voice to discourage voting. The calls were transmitted by Lingo Telecom.
- The calls went to 5,000-25,000 voters before the NH primary, falsely claiming voting in the primary would prevent voting in November.
- The calls showed up falsely as coming from a Biden campaign official's personal cell number.
- Authorities issued cease-and-desist orders and subpoenas to Life Corporation and Lingo Telecom. The FCC also sent a cease-and-desist letter to Lingo.
- Lingo says it acted quickly to suspend the involved account and continues to cooperate with investigators.
- Charges could include voter suppression or violations of federal laws on caller ID and telemarketing.
- The Industry Traceback Group helped trace the source of calls within 4 hours.
- Authorities want to send a message to deter election interference attempts using new technologies like AI.