The Federal Communications Commission adopted a $6 million fine against political consultant Steve Kramer for illegal robocalls made using deepfake, AI-generated voice cloning technology and caller ID spoofing to spread election misinformation to potential New Hampshire voters prior to the state’s January primary presidential election.

 Kramer will be required to pay the fine within 30 days or the matter will be promptly referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for collection.

The calls pretended to be President Biden telling people not to vote in the January Primary.

Attorney General John Formella said: “It is imperative that state and federal elections remain free from unlawful interference. New Hampshire and its federal and state partners have shown that we are all similarly committed to protecting consumers and voters from harmful robocalls and voter suppression.

“I expect that the FCC’s enforcement action will send a strong deterrent signal to anyone who might consider interfering with elections, whether through the use of unlawful robocalls, artificial intelligence, or any other means.”

The Truth in Caller ID Act makes spoofed calls illegal when made with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value.  In addition, the FCC recently confirmed that the Telephone Consumer Protection Act’s restrictions on calls using an “artificial or prerecorded voice” apply to calls using AI-generated voices.