Robocalls are frustrating enough on their own, but when combined with deceptive AI-generated voices, they can lead to serious confusion—and even misinformation. To address this growing issue, Governor Newsom recently signed AB-2905 into law. This important bill requires robocalls to clearly disclose when they use AI-generated voices, a move aimed at protecting consumers from the dangers of deepfake technology.
In early 2024, we saw just how harmful these AI-generated voices could be, when a deepfake robocall mimicking President Joe Biden misled voters in New Hampshire. AB-2905 is designed to prevent similar incidents in the future by ensuring that AI’s involvement in robocalls is transparent.
The key provisions include:
The new law mandates that any automatic dialing-announcing device (ADAD) used for robocalls must:
- Clearly state the nature of the call along with the name, address, and telephone number of the organization being represented.
- Ask for consent from the person called to continue with the prerecorded message.
- Inform the person called if an artificial voice—one generated or significantly altered using AI—will be used in the message.
This added layer of transparency aims to stop AI-powered deception in its tracks, especially in the political and commercial sectors.
The bill also emphasizes that violating these rules can lead to legal penalties, reinforcing the state’s commitment to responsible AI use in communications.
Need of the hour
As AI technology continues to advance, so do the risks of misuse. AB-2905 is a proactive step to protect consumers from being manipulated by AI-generated voices, making it harder for bad actors to exploit this technology in robocalls.
By setting these standards, California is once again leading the way in regulating AI and ensuring it is used ethically. This law is part of a broader effort to balance technological innovation with consumer protection.
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Ajay Mago, Managing Partner at Maxson Mago & Macaulay, LLP (EM3 Law LLP).
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