New Hampshire voters urged to skip primary in AI-generated robocalls; senator asks FCC to reject conservative group’s bid

Schumer opposes the petition

Schumer has called on the FCC to reject a request from the Club for Growth. The group seeks permission to make political calls using AI-generated voices ahead of November’s elections.

He said easing existing standards could let special interests fill cellphone lines with deepfakes or AI voices funded by undisclosed money. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez and several public interest organizations have also opposed granting the request.

FCC decision may come soon

The comment period on the petition ends Monday. The FCC could act within days, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The calls at issue urged New Hampshire residents not to vote in the state’s Democratic primary.

Group cites political speech

Club for Growth President David McIntosh said the organization wants the FCC to treat political speech protected by the First Amendment like wireless calls about deliveries, bank accounts and medical appointments. The organization supports conservative economic positions on taxes, regulations and reducing the size of government. Its website says it plans to spend $175 million in the midterm congressional elections.