Political consultant behind fake Biden robocalls faces $6 million fine and criminal charges

By HOLLY RAMER and ALI SWENSON
Associated Press

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A former New Hampshire Democratic Party chair whose phone number was spoofed in artificial intelligence-generated robocalls mimicking President Joe Biden’s voice ahead of New Hampshire’s presidential primary says today’s charges related to the case show the steep price for trying to interfere in elections. The political consultant who sent the calls now faces a proposed $6 million fine and criminal charges. The Federal Communications Commission said Thursday it’s the first fine the agency has proposed involving generative AI technology. The robocalls used the Democratic president’s phrase “What a bunch of malarkey” and falsely suggested voting in the primary would preclude voters from casting ballots in November.