Lingo Telecom recently made headlines for transmitting a false message to New Hampshire voters in January, urging them not to participate in the Democratic primary. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has identified political consultant Steve Kramer as the individual responsible for these misleading automated calls and has previously suggested that Kramer pay a hefty $6 million fine.
In a new agreement with Lingo, the FCC has stipulated that the company must strictly follow caller ID authentication protocols, including implementing “know your customer” principles. Additionally, Lingo will be required to conduct more thorough verification of the information provided by its clients and upstream providers. A spokesperson for Lingo has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of transparency in communications, stating, “Every individual deserves the assurance that the voice on the other end of the line is indeed who they claim to be. If artificial intelligence is utilized, this fact must be clearly disclosed to consumers, citizens, and voters. The FCC will take action to uphold trust in our communication networks.”
This incident underscores the significance of maintaining integrity and authenticity in all forms of communication, particularly in the realm of political messaging. It serves as a reminder of the vital role that regulatory bodies like the FCC play in safeguarding the public’s trust in our communication channels.
