FCC Declaratory Ruling FCC 24-17: AI-generated voices are 'artificial' voices under the TCPA (CG Docket No. 23-362)

Summary

In a Declaratory Ruling adopted February 2, 2024, and released February 8, 2024 (FCC 24-17, CG Docket No. 23-362), the FCC confirmed that the Telephone Consumer Protection Act's restrictions on calls using an 'artificial or prerecorded voice' cover current AI technologies that generate human voices. Such calls therefore need the called party's prior express consent unless an emergency purpose or exemption applies. The ruling took effect on release; it also gives state attorneys general a clearer basis to pursue voice-cloning robocalls under the TCPA.

Key dates

1. February 8, 2024Takes effect
2. February 8, 2024Issued
3. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
4. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. Adopted: February 2, 2024 Released: February 8, 2024

   Supports: Dates

   In this Declaratory Ruling, we confirm that the TCPA's restrictions on the use of "artificial or prerecorded voice" encompass current AI technologies that generate human voices.

   Supports: Holding

   IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Declaratory Ruling shall be effective upon release.

   Supports: Effective date

   State Attorneys General across the country can go after the bad actors behind these robocalls and seek damages under the law.

   Supports: State AG enforcement (Chairwoman's statement)

   Declaratory Ruling (FCC 24-17) Federal Communications Commission Primary source