Comment by Federal Communications Commission

1. As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies emerge that affect the existing regulatory landscape that protects consumers from unwanted and illegal robocalls, we take action today to ensure that consumers continue to receive the protections afforded under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).1 AI technologies that can generate content such as artificial voice communications can be beneficial, but also pose new challenges to consumers.2 We take this opportunity to clarify the application of the TCPA to these technologies. 2. In this Declaratory Ruling, we confirm that the TCPA’s restrictions on the use of “artificial or prerecorded voice” encompass current AI technologies that generate human voices.3 As a result, calls that use such technologies fall under the TCPA and the Commission’s implementing rules, and therefore require the prior express consent of the called party to initiate such calls absent an emergency purpose or exemption.4