(MyKeeneNow) – A major telecommunications company, Lingo Telecom, has agreed to pay a $1 million fine following a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) investigation into its role in transmitting AI-generated robocalls intended to disrupt the 2024 New Hampshire primary election. The robocalls, which used advanced generative AI voice cloning technology to impersonate President Joe Biden, urged voters not to participate in the primary, creating a significant threat to the integrity of the electoral process.

The scheme was orchestrated by political consultant Steve Kramer, who is now facing serious legal consequences, including state charges for voter suppression in New Hampshire. Kramer directed the deepfake robocalls, which were carried out through Lingo Telecom’s services.

In addition to the hefty fine, Lingo Telecom has committed to implementing unprecedented compliance measures as part of a settlement with the FCC. These measures include adhering to strict caller ID authentication rules, verifying the accuracy of information provided by its customers, and ensuring that all traffic is vetted and trustworthy.

The FCC’s crackdown on Lingo Telecom is part of a broader effort to combat the misuse of AI technology in political interference. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, stating that consumers have the right to know who is behind the voice on the other end of the line, especially when AI is involved.

This case marks a significant milestone in the FCC’s ongoing efforts to protect the public from deceptive practices that threaten democratic processes. The agency’s actions underscore the critical role of communication service providers in safeguarding elections from both domestic and foreign threats.

As part of the settlement, Lingo Telecom will also be required to enhance its internal processes, including applying the highest level of trust to phone numbers and ensuring that upstream providers have robust mechanisms to prevent and mitigate robocall scams.

The FCC’s decisive action against Lingo Telecom sends a clear message that election interference, particularly through the use of AI-driven disinformation, will not be tolerated. The Commission is also pursuing further legal action against Kramer, who faces a proposed $6 million fine for his role in the scheme.

This case highlights the growing concern over the potential misuse of AI in electoral processes and the steps being taken by regulators to prevent such abuse in the future. The FCC continues to explore additional measures, including proposed transparency standards for political ads that utilize AI technology.