House Democrat calls for DOJ probe into AI-generated robocalls mimicking Biden

Rep. Joseph Morelle ⁣Calls for ⁣DOJ ‌Investigation into AI-Generated Robocalls

Rep. Joseph Morelle (D-NY) is urging the Department of⁢ Justice to launch an investigation into robocalls⁢ that appear to feature President Joe Biden’s voice, advising New ⁤Hampshire residents⁤ to refrain⁣ from voting‌ in the presidential primary. The voice, which⁢ bears ​a striking resemblance to Biden’s, ⁤is allegedly urging voters to⁤ wait until the November ⁤general election‍ to cast their ballots.

In a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Morelle emphasized the need for ‌an investigation to ‍prevent the dissemination of AI-generated misinformation and disinformation in future elections.⁢ He stated, “This​ blatant attempt to interfere‌ in the ​New Hampshire primary necessitates a comprehensive investigation and a strong response from federal officials to ⁢deter further AI-based attacks that could ‍disrupt⁢ American democracy and disenfranchise voters.”

Last week, Morelle reintroduced bipartisan legislation​ known as the Preventing Deepfakes‌ of Intimate Images ‍Act, which aims to⁤ outlaw nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfakes. The congressman’s renewed efforts ⁣were prompted by a New Jersey ‍high school student who ⁢advocated for ‍action ⁣after her images ⁢were manipulated using ⁣AI.

The New Hampshire attorney general’s⁤ office has indicated that although the voice in the robocall resembles President ⁢Biden’s, the message appears⁤ to ⁢be⁢ artificially generated. ​The office advised voters ‌to disregard​ the⁤ content of the call ⁣and ‌emphasized ⁤that participating​ in‌ the New Hampshire⁤ Presidential Primary Election does not prevent​ individuals from voting in the‍ November General Election.

The robocall, which was reviewed by CNN through the anti-robocall app Nomorobo, features ⁤an altered voice suggesting that ‍voting in the‌ New Hampshire primary would benefit former ⁤President Donald Trump’s bid for ​the‍ White⁣ House. The call claims that Republicans are attempting‍ to​ persuade nonpartisan and Democratic voters to ⁤participate in their primary, ‌asserting that saving one’s vote for the​ November election ⁢is⁢ crucial for electing​ Democrats at all levels.

The New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Election Law Unit is currently‍ investigating the robocalls, ⁢deeming them ‌an unlawful attempt to‍ suppress voters.

Why ‍is it important for the Department⁣ of ​Justice to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the origin ⁣and ‌motives⁤ behind these AI-generated ‌robocalls?

Ing voters to stay home on election day.⁣

The issue of ⁤robocalls has ‍long been ⁤a problem‌ in the United States, with‌ millions of Americans receiving​ unwanted and unsolicited ‍automated calls on ⁤a daily ​basis. These calls range from ⁢scams ​to telemarketing pitches, often causing⁤ annoyance and frustration for recipients. However, the ⁤use of AI-generated ​robocalls to specifically target​ voters and spread disinformation​ is a new and concerning development.

In a ‍letter sent to the‌ Department of⁤ Justice, Rep. Morelle expressed his deep concern over the use​ of⁢ AI ‌technology to create voice‌ recordings that ⁢mimic political figures, such as President Biden. The fact ‍that these robocalls are targeting voters and attempting‌ to interfere with the ‌democratic‍ process​ is alarming and requires⁤ immediate attention from law enforcement authorities.

The dissemination of⁤ false information and⁢ attempts to suppress voting rights are serious offenses that undermine the principles of ⁣a⁢ fair and transparent⁤ electoral system. It is essential that those ⁣responsible for such acts are identified and held accountable for their actions. Rep. Morelle rightly highlights the need for a comprehensive investigation by the Department of Justice ⁤into the origin and motives behind‌ these ‍AI-generated robocalls.

AI technology has ‍the ⁢potential to⁤ bring about great advancements ​and positive change ‍in various industries. However, it‌ is also ​a powerful tool that can be misused to​ deceive and manipulate unsuspecting individuals. ‌The use‍ of AI-generated robocalls to spread political disinformation is a prime example of the potential dangers posed by this technology.

Moreover, the concerns raised⁣ by Rep.⁤ Morelle are not limited to the current situation in ⁤New Hampshire. If⁣ AI-generated robocalls can be used to impersonate⁣ political figures and spread false information in one state, ⁤there is a real possibility that similar tactics could be‌ employed in other regions, potentially swaying the​ outcome of ⁣elections and eroding public ‍trust in the democratic ⁤process.

The Department of Justice has a crucial role to play in ‍investigating and prosecuting⁢ those responsible for⁣ AI-generated robocalls that ⁢seek to undermine the integrity of elections. It⁤ is essential that law enforcement agencies ⁢work in ⁣collaboration with technology experts to develop effective ⁢methods to⁣ identify and trace the origin of⁤ these calls.

In addition, legislative measures should be considered to⁣ impose stricter regulations on the use of AI technology, particularly in the context of political campaigns. This includes implementing stricter penalties for those found guilty of using AI-generated robocalls for‍ malicious⁤ purposes.

The issue of robocalls has already been the subject of bipartisan efforts in Congress,​ with lawmakers introducing legislation aimed at combating this persistent problem. However, the emergence of‍ AI-generated ⁢robocalls adds a ⁢new dimension to this issue‌ and requires a coordinated response from both lawmakers and‌ law enforcement⁤ agencies.

As technology continues to advance, ​it is crucial that ‌safeguards ⁢are put in place⁢ to prevent⁤ its misuse. The investigation ‍urged by Rep. ⁣Morelle is an important step towards ensuring the responsible use of⁢ AI and ⁤protecting the integrity of our democratic processes.

In conclusion, the ‌appearance of AI-generated ‌robocalls featuring ⁤President Biden’s voice urging voters ⁢to stay home is a serious concern that demands immediate attention. The Department of Justice must launch a thorough investigation into ​this matter to identify and ​hold accountable those responsible for these malicious acts. Additionally,⁣ it is imperative that legislative measures are enacted ⁢to address the potential dangers ⁤posed by AI technology in the context of political campaigns. Only through a combined effort from lawmakers, law enforcement, ⁢and technology experts‍ can we safeguard our elections and preserve the integrity of our democracy.

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