'R U REAL Act': Schakowsky Files Bill To Regulate AI-Generated Calls
EVANSTON, IL — With artificial intelligence technology increasingly being used to scam older Americans — and now even able to impersonate the voices of family members — Congresswoman Jan. Schakowsky on Monday introduced a bill aimed at limiting the use of AI technology by telemarketers.
Schakowsky’s bill, the Restrictions on Utilizing Realistic Electronic Artificial Language, or R U REAL, Act, would give the Federal Trade Commission about three months to add a new mandate to telemarketing rules to require telemarketers to disclose if they are using artificial intelligence to mimic a human at the beginning of any call or text message.
The R U Real Act is part of a package of legislation called the Do Not Disturb Package introduced by New Jersey Democrat Frank Pallone.
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Pallone blamed the recent increase in automated calls and texts on Supreme Court’s 2021 decision in Facebook, Inc. v. Duguid, which found the 1991 federal robocall ban did not apply to current technology.
“Unfortunately, we know these scammers often target older Americans who are especially vulnerable victims to these fraudsters’ scams,” Pallone said in a statement. “Today I’m introducing legislation that brings anti-robocall protections into the 21st century and ensures illegal robocallers and scam artists can’t exploit new loopholes even as technology continues to evolve.”
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Schakowsky’s five-page proposed law would also double the civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation permitted under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
“I am proud to join Ranking Member Frank Pallone in the fight against illegitimate and intrusive robocalls,” the Evanston Democrat said in a statement.
“As of late, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made matters even worse by deceiving people who think they are talking to another human, when in actuality, they are talking to a bot,” said Schakowsky, a chief deputy whip for the House Democratic minority.
“My bill restricts any telemarketer from using an AI bot that sounds like a human without first telling you that it is AI, and it holds telemarketers accountable for using AI to break the law,” she said.
Recently, another senior member of Illinois’ congressional delegation, Chicago Democrat Danny Davis, appeared to use unlabeled artificial intelligence artwork on his campaign website and in mailers sent out by his office.
“The dangers of deceptive AI cannot be overstated,” Schakowsky said, “we must act now to implement pro-consumer guardrails on this growing industry.”
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