A $6 million fine was imposed on a person who sent automated artificial intelligence-generated calls to voters imitating President Joe Biden’s voice ahead of the New Hampshire primary in January.
Political consultant Steven Kramer was accused of using technology to create false identities and deceive voters.
A $6 million fine was imposed.
The Federal Communications Commission fined Cramer $6 million under the Caller ID Act and fined Ringo Telecom, the company Cramer called, $2 million.
Cramer also faces 13 charges, including “voter pressure,” stemming from the fact that artificial intelligence-generated automated calls impersonating Biden were sent to thousands of voters before the New Hampshire primary on January 23.
In a statement to US media on the issue, state Attorney General John Formella said he was determined to ensure New Hampshire’s elections were “free from unlawful interference.”
Kramer’s trial begins on June 5th.
In New Hampshire, voter suppression charges are punishable by three and a half to seven years in prison, and fraudulent impersonation of a candidate carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison.
In a statement to The Associated Press in February, Cramer acknowledged his involvement in the fake robocalls and maintained that he was not trying to influence voters in their decisions, but simply wanted to warn the public about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
In an automated call created by Cramer in January using artificial intelligence to impersonate Biden, New Hampshire residents were told they did not need to participate in the presidential primary and that their votes would affect the presidential election in November.
