Telecom to pay $1 million for Joe Biden’s deepfake robocall

Lingo Telecom delivered a phony Biden message to Up-to-date Hampshire voters in January urging them not to vote in the Democratic primary. The FCC identified political consultant Steve Kramer as the person behind the generative AI connections and previously proposed that Kramer pay a separate $6 million fine.

Under the fresh settlement with Lingo, the FCC said the company will have to strictly adhere to its caller ID authentication rules, including the “know your customer” rule. The FCC will also require Lingo to “more thoroughly review the accuracy of information provided by customers and upstream service providers,” according to a press release. A Lingo spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“Every single one of us deserves to know that the voice on the line is exactly who it says it is,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. “If AI is being used, it should be clear to every consumer, citizen and voter who encounters it. The FCC will take action when trust in our communications networks is at risk.”