Plain Language Summary
# QUIET Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The QUIET Act (Quashing Unwanted and Interruptive Electronic Telecommunications Act) would require robocalls that use artificial intelligence to sound like real people to clearly disclose that AI is being used at the start of the message. The bill also increases penalties for violations of existing telemarketing laws, doubling the maximum fines and forfeiture amounts that the government can impose on violators. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects companies and organizations that use robocalls for marketing, scams, or other purposes. It would also impact consumers by providing them with clearer information about whether they're speaking with AI or a human.
The bill targets a growing problem: AI-generated robocalls that impersonate real people, often used in scams. **Current Status** The bill (HR 1027) is currently in committee consideration in the 119th Congress and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. Sponsor Eric Sorensen is a Democrat from Illinois.
CRS Official Summary
Quashing Unwanted and Interruptive Electronic Telecommunications Act or the QUIET ActThis bill establishes a disclosure requirement for robocalls that use artificial intelligence (AI) to emulate a human being and increases forfeiture and fine amounts for certain violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). (The TCPA prohibits certain telemarketing calls made without the recipient’s consent and using specified automated technologies.)Specifically, any robocall that uses AI to emulate a human being must include a disclosure at the beginning of the message indicating that AI is being used. Under the bill, robocalls are defined as calls made or text messages sent (1) using automatic dialing technology, or (2) using an artificially generated message or an artificial or prerecorded voice. Calls or texts that are made or sent using equipment that requires substantial human intervention are excluded. Further, the bill doubles the maximum forfeiture penalty and criminal fine that may be imposed for certain violations of the TCPA involving the use of AI to impersonate an individual or entity with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value. This provision applies to violations that occur after the bill’s enactment.
Latest Action
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H519)