Political consultant Steve Kramer has been fined $6 million and faces multiple criminal charges for using AI to deepfake Joe Biden's voice in a robocall urging voters to stay home during the 2024 Democratic primary. The incident, the first reported use of a deepfake in US presidential politics, has led the FCC to ban AI-generated voices in robocalls. Kramer claims the stunt was to highlight the need for AI regulation.
Major 911 outages in Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, and Texas left millions unable to contact authorities, with service restored by late evening; the cause of the outages is still under investigation, but they come after a Department of Homeland Security warning of heightened cyberattack risks on 911 services; local law enforcement agencies provided alternative phone numbers and urged the use of mobile devices during the outages, with texting to 911 operating as an option in some locations.
The Federal Communications Commission has raised concerns about abusive partners using connected car apps to harass and track their victims, prompting the agency to send letters to nine major automakers seeking information about their apps and processes to assist abuse victims. The agency also inquired about the role of wireless communications providers in providing connectivity to cars and their compliance with the Safe Connections Act. The move comes after reports of car control and tracking apps being weaponized in abusive relationships, allowing for unwanted stalking and harassment, with experts emphasizing the need for solutions to help survivors stay safe.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a rule to ban early termination fees for cable and satellite service contracts, requiring providers to eliminate these fees and provide prorated credits or rebates for canceled services. This move is part of President Joe Biden's efforts to promote competition and eliminate surplus fees in the U.S. economy. The FCC has also announced plans for Broadband Consumer Labels and 'all-in-pricing' to provide consumers with transparent information about broadband services and costs.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are conducting a nationwide test of emergency alert systems on October 4. The test will include the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), with messages sent to cell phones, radios, and televisions. The purpose of the test is to ensure the effectiveness of these systems in warning the public about emergencies. This will be the third nationwide test of the WEA system and the seventh nationwide test of the EAS. The agencies are coordinating with participants and providers to minimize confusion and maximize public safety.
The Biden administration plans to reinstate net neutrality rules that were repealed during the Trump administration. The earlier open internet rules, known as net neutrality, prohibited broadband internet suppliers from blocking or slowing online services and charging higher prices for priority treatment. The chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission, Jessica Rosenworcel, announced the proposal to restore net neutrality and will release the full text of the proposed rule on Thursday. The commission will vote on the draft proposal on Oct. 19, with a final vote expected next year. The issue of net neutrality has sparked public interest and political debate, with supporters viewing it as a necessary restraint on corporate power and a means to keep the internet open and fair.
Over 20 million US households are now receiving discounted internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide. The program provides $30-a-month subsidies to eligible households, with higher subsidies available for those living on tribal lands. Despite its popularity, the ACP's future is uncertain as it is expected to run out of its initial $14 billion funding by 2024. The program has only reached about 40% of potentially eligible households, highlighting the ongoing need for affordable internet access.
