Attorney General Jackley calling for restrictions on AI robocalls

South Dakota Attorney General pushing for more FCC restrictions on AI robocalls.
Published: Jan. 23, 2024 at 9:35 PM EST

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Technology can be a great thing when used properly, but in the hands of the wrong people it can be annoying and at times dangerous.

With bot calls becoming increasingly more common, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is pushing for new requirements that would restrict the use of artificial intelligence in marketing calls.

In November, the FCC posted a notice of inquiry requesting input on the implications and usage of AI in consumer communications.

The FCC specifically wanted to know how AI technology can act as a live agent through “robocalls”. Robocalls are calls made using an artificial or prerecorded voice which are generally prohibited without the express written consent of the consumer.

Jackley believes that most people wouldn’t consent to a robocall willingly and all he and his fellow attorneys general want is more safety guidelines to protect consumers.

“We recognize they’re going to continue to allow them. But if they are allowed to please put in some safeguards to address the use of AI to trick our consumers and to certainly allow a consumer to consent whether or not they want to receive robocalls. We don’t like robocalls but if you’re gonna do them don’t do them so they’re tricking our consumers and taking their hard-earned money,” said Jackley.

Jackley went on to say over half of the U.S. Attorney Generals are on board with this proposal and are hoping the FCC will take care of this issue quickly because he believes it is a very straightforward issue.