PA Could Address Curbing AI Spam Calls

PITTSBURGH, PA — A proposed Pennsylvania law would strengthen regulations on telemarketing calls by banning the use of artificial intelligence to make spam calls.

State Rep. Chris Pielli, a Chester County Democrat, said he plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit the growing trend of telemarketers using artificial intelligence to interrupt time with family, work, or personal relaxation.

Additionally, "The misuse of AI could lead to more Pennsylvanians being scammed or defrauded, and we need strong protection against potential abusers of this technology," Pielli wrote in a memo to colleagues.

Although Pennsylvania’s Telemarketer Registration Act already regulates telemarketers and the use of robocalls and requires a statewide Do-Not-Call list, Pielle's proposed legislation would create penalties for anyone using artificial intelligence to make spam calls.

"AI’s ability to mimic other human beings is only improving," Pielli stated. "If left unaddressed, AI can be misused to harass more and more Pennsylvanians over time."