AI robocall scams now require disclosure—and penalties just doubled
H.R. 1027 — QUIET Act · Filed by Eric Sorensen (D-IL) · 27 cosponsors · Introduced Feb 5, 2025 · Referred to committee
Your members of Congress
Enter a ZIP to see where your representative and both senators stood on this bill.
Looked up on this device — your ZIP is never stored on our servers.
What it does
This bill amends the Communications Act to require anyone making robocalls or sending text messages using artificial intelligence to emulate a human voice or appearance to disclose that fact at the beginning of the call or message. It also doubles the maximum penalties (fines and forfeitures) for violations involving AI-generated impersonation intended to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain something of value. The bill targets deceptive AI-generated calls and texts while leaving legitimate automated systems largely untouched.
Why we flagged it
The bill's operative mechanism is a disclosure requirement and penalty enhancement for deceptive AI-generated communications. It is a straightforward consumer-protection measure targeting fraud and impersonation in telecommunications.
What the text implies
- The disclosure requirement applies only to AI that 'emulates a human being,' leaving ambiguity about what constitutes emulation—borderline cases (synthetic voices that sound human-like but are disclosed as AI) may face compliance uncertainty.
- The bill does not establish a private right of action; enforcement depends on FCC/DOJ action, meaning victims of AI impersonation scams cannot sue directly for damages under this statute.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who it affects
Ordinary people are better off: the bill requires transparency about AI impersonation in calls and texts (reducing deception risk) and increases penalties for fraudulent AI impersonation (deterring scams). Citizens gain a disclosure right and stronger legal protection against a growing threat.