Kathy Sullivan : “Man Behind Fake Robo-Calls from President Biden Faces $6M Fine”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Fake Robo-Calls Fine
2. President Biden Robo-Call Scam

A political consultant who sent AI-generated robocalls mimicking President Joe Biden’s voice faces a $6 million fine and criminal charges in New Hampshire. The Federal Communications Commission proposed fines for Steven Kramer and Lingo Telecom, the company involved. Kramer admitted to orchestrating the misleading message, which falsely suggested voting in the primary would affect November ballots. He faces felony and misdemeanor charges for voter suppression and impersonation. The FCC has taken steps to combat AI tools in political communications, banning AI voice-cloning tools in robocalls and proposing new rules for transparency. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of protecting voters from misinformation.

The Controversial Incident in Concord, New Hampshire

In a surprising turn of events, a political consultant based in Concord, New Hampshire, has found themselves at the center of a major controversy. Steven Kramer, the consultant in question, is facing serious charges and a hefty fine for his involvement in a scheme that involved artificial intelligence-generated robocalls mimicking President Joe Biden’s voice.

The FCC’s Response

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a strong stance on the matter, proposing a $6 million fine for Steven Kramer and a $2 million fine for Lingo Telecom, the company accused of transmitting the calls. This marks the first time the FCC has dealt with generative AI technology in such a manner.

Kramer’s Admissions

Steven Kramer has admitted to orchestrating the robocalls, which were sent to thousands of voters just days before New Hampshire’s presidential primary. The calls featured an AI-generated voice that closely resembled President Biden’s and included misleading information about voting in the primary.

The Legal Ramifications

Kramer is now facing a total of 26 criminal charges, including felony charges for attempting to deter voters from casting their ballots and misdemeanor charges for falsely representing himself as a candidate. These charges have been filed in multiple counties and will be prosecuted by the state attorney general’s office.

Reactions from Authorities

New Hampshire’s Attorney General, John Formella, has expressed his commitment to ensuring that elections in the state remain free from unlawful interference. He commended the swift action taken by both state and federal agencies in addressing the issue of harmful robocalls and voter suppression.

Lingo Telecom’s Response

On the other hand, Lingo Telecom has strongly disagreed with the FCC’s actions, calling it an attempt to impose new rules retroactively. The company maintains that it was not involved in the production of the calls and that it complied with all applicable regulations and standards.

A Lesson Learned

Former state Democratic Party chair, Kathy Sullivan, who was impersonated in the robocalls, hopes that this incident serves as a lesson to others who may attempt to manipulate elections. She stressed the importance of respecting democracy and the consequences of trying to rig an election.

Looking Ahead

As the legal proceedings unfold, the FCC has taken steps to address the use of artificial intelligence tools in political communications. This incident has prompted the commission to consider new regulations that would require political advertisers to disclose the use of AI-generated content in broadcast ads.

Overall, the controversy surrounding the AI-generated robocalls in New Hampshire serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of manipulating technology for political gain. It highlights the importance of upholding the integrity of elections and ensuring transparency in political communications.