Capito, Klobuchar Introduce Bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Scam Prevention Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Scam Prevention Act, which would prohibit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate any person with the intent to defraud.

Last year, Americans lost nearly $2 billion in scams originating through calls, texts, and emails. When people spoke to scammers on the phone, they lost more money per person than through any other type of scam - $1,500 on average. The use of AI allows fraudsters to create more sophisticated scams and target more people, including by phone.

"While there is incredible potential with artificial intelligence, we must also be vigilant in protecting against harmful uses of the technology, especially when it comes to fraud and scams. I'm proud to help introduce the Artificial Intelligence Scam Prevention Act, legislation that explicitly prohibits AI fraud, particularly impersonations and deepfakes, and empowers federal agencies to take greater action against these criminals," Senator Capito said.

"Artificial intelligence has allowed scams to become more sophisticated, making it easier for fraudsters to deceive people-especially seniors and children-into giving up their personal information or hard-earned money," Senator Klobuchar said. "Our bipartisan legislation will help take on scammers who use AI to copy someone's voice or image."

The Artificial Intelligence Scam Prevention Act would:

• Prohibit the use of AI to replicate any person's image or voice with the intent to defraud.

• Codify the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) ban on impersonating government or business officials.

• Update existing laws - that have not changed since 1996 - with definitions for text messages, video conference calls, and artificial or prerecorded voice.

• Create an Advisory Committee to ensure inter-agency cooperation in enforcing scam prevention.

In addition, the bill also updates the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act and the Communications Act of 1934 by adding definitions for text messages, video conference calls, and artificial or prerecorded voice-ensuring that our laws reflect 21st century technology, and giving enforcers the tools they need to go after telemarketing and consumer fraud.

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