United States of America: Issued FCC Cease-and-Desist Order to Lingo Telecom over AI-Generated Robocalls

On 6 February 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a cease-and-desist order to Texas-based Lingo Telecom, the entity allegedly responsible for originating robocall traffic using AI-generated voice cloning to spread misinformation to voters prior to New Hampshire's primary election. The FCC demanded the company to stop supporting unlawful robocall traffic on its networks. The enforcement action was taken in partnership with the New Hampshire State Attorney General's office, which also issued a cease-and-desist order to Life Corporation, the company that Lingo Telecom facilitated robocalls for during the state primary. The orders were issued to prevent the violation of voter suppression laws and to combat the use of voice cloning technology in robocalls being used to misinform voters. Finally, in case of non-compliance with the cease-and-desist order within 48 hours, the FCC providers can block Lingo's calls or stop accepting their traffic without facing legal repercussions under the Communications Act of 1934 or FCC rules.