FCC Settles with Lingo Telecom for $1 Million Over Biden-Inspired Robocalls

Lingo Telecom has agreed to pay a $1 million fine following accusations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that the company transmitted fraudulent robocalls impersonating President Joe Biden. These calls were allegedly intended to dissuade voters in New Hampshire’s Democratic primary election, according to a report from Reuters.

The FCC stated that Lingo used advanced generative artificial intelligence voice-cloning technology to produce the spoofed calls, which were orchestrated by political consultant Steve Kramer. The calls were part of an effort to spread disinformation, according to the commission. The New Hampshire state attorney general’s office has also charged Kramer in connection with these robocalls.

Initially, the FCC had proposed a $2 million fine against Lingo for its role in transmitting the calls in January. As part of the settlement, Lingo is now required to implement a comprehensive compliance plan that ensures strict adherence to the FCC’s caller ID authentication rules. Despite multiple requests, Lingo has not provided a comment on the settlement, per Reuters.

“This settlement sends a strong message that communications service providers are the first line of defense against these threats and will be held accountable to ensure they do their part to protect the American public,” said Loyaan Egal, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau Chief, in a statement.

In addition to the settlement with Lingo, the FCC has also proposed a $6 million fine against Kramer for his involvement in the robocalls.