QUIET Act
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
The Quashing Unwanted and Interruptive Electronic Telecommunications (QUIET) Act forces AI robocalls to announce themselves and doubles fines for AI impersonation scams targeting anyone with a phone.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: phone users targeted by scams, elderly victims of voice-cloning fraud, legitimate businesses harmed by impersonation.
- Loses: scam call centers, fraudsters using AI voice cloning, marketers relying on undisclosed AI bots.
What it does
- Amends Section 227 of the Communications Act of 1934 to require AI disclosure at the start of robocalls and texts.
- Covers SMS, MMS, and RCS messages plus prerecorded voice calls.
- Doubles maximum forfeiture penalties and criminal fines for AI impersonation done to defraud or cause harm.
- Exempts calls requiring substantial human intervention and live two-way video.
Why should I care?
AI voice cloning scams are exploding, including fake kidnapping calls using cloned teen voices. Supporters say disclosure plus doubled fines will deter fraudsters. Critics argue scammers ignore laws anyway and enforcement against overseas callers stays weak. An alternative: require phone carriers to block unverified AI calls automatically. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.