WEST CHESTER, PA — A proposed state bill would make it illegal to use artificial intelligence to create or distribute scam phone calls in Pennsylvania.
What This Means for You
- The bill would expand Pennsylvania’s Telemarketer Registration Act to cover AI-generated scam calls.
- Violators could face penalties under existing telemarketing enforcement laws.
- The measure is awaiting committee assignment in the state House.
Expanding Existing Telemarketing Law
State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, introduced House Bill 2255 to address what he described as a growing threat from artificial intelligence-driven phone scams.
The legislation would amend Pennsylvania’s Telemarketer Registration Act, which regulates telemarketers, governs the use of robocalls, and requires a statewide do-not-call list. The proposal would explicitly prohibit the use of AI technology to generate or distribute fraudulent phone calls.
Pielli said advances in artificial intelligence allow callers to mimic human voices, engage in real-time conversations instead of relying on prerecorded messages, and spoof caller ID numbers to make calls appear legitimate.
“The misuse of AI could lead to more Pennsylvanians being scammed or defrauded, and we need stronger protection against potential abusers of this technology,” Pielli said.
Why Lawmakers Say Action Is Needed
Under current law, telemarketers must register with the state and comply with restrictions on automated calling. However, Pielli said AI-driven scams present new enforcement challenges because they can simulate live conversations and impersonate trusted individuals.
Supporters of expanding the law argue that clarifying prohibitions related to AI could strengthen consumer protection and provide clearer authority for enforcement agencies.
The bill has been introduced and is awaiting committee assignment in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.