DocumentedDeepfake Political DisinformationJanuary 21, 2024United States

AI-Generated Biden Robocall (New Hampshire Primary)

Thousands of NH Democrats received robocalls featuring an AI-generated Biden voice telling them not to vote in the January 23 primary. Commissioned by Democratic consultant Steve Kramer (then working for Dean Phillips's rival campaign), created by magician Paul Carpenter using ElevenLabs in under 20 minutes for approximately 1 USD, distributed via telecoms Life Corporation and Lingo Telecom.

AI system:ElevenLabs voice cloning (allegedly)

Impact

First confirmed use of AI deepfake voice in a US election to suppress votes.

Outcome

FCC ruled AI-generated robocalls illegal February 2024. Kramer charged criminally in NH, fined 6 million USD by FCC (proposed), sued by League of Women Voters. Lingo Telecom settled with FCC for 1 million USD.

Sources

  1. Source 1NPRwww.npr.org/2024/05/23/nx-s1-4977582/fcc-ai-deepfake-robocall-biden-new-hampshire-political-operative
  2. Source 2NBC Newswww.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/biden-robocall-new-hampshire-strategist-rcna139760
  3. Source 3PBS NewsHourwww.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ai-robocalls-impersonate-president-biden-in-an-apparent-attempt-to-suppress-votes-in-new-hampshire

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