QUIET Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1027
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-06: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H519)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-14T08:08:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The QUIET Act (Quashing Unwanted and Interruptive Electronic Telecommunications Act) aims to protect consumers from deceptive uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in automated phone calls and text messages, often called "robocalls." It requires clear disclosures when AI is involved and increases penalties for harmful impersonations to reduce fraud and unwanted intrusions.
Key Provisions
- Disclosure Requirement for AI in Robocalls:
- Anyone making a robocall or sending a text message that uses AI to mimic a human voice or generate content must state at the start of the communication that AI is being used.
- Defines a "robocall" as any automated call or text sent using equipment that dials stored, random, or sequential numbers, or that includes an artificial/prerecorded voice or AI-generated message. It excludes calls or texts needing significant human involvement.
- Defines a "text message" broadly to include SMS (short message service), MMS (multimedia messaging service), RCS (rich communication service), and similar formats sent via phone numbers or apps, but excludes live voice or video chats.
- Enhanced Penalties for AI Impersonation:
- If a robocall or text uses AI to impersonate a person or organization with the intent to deceive (e.g., to scam money or cause harm), penalties are doubled.
- This includes higher maximum fines for civil violations (forfeitures) and criminal cases, applied by regulators like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- The tougher penalties take effect for violations after the law is passed.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 227 of the Communications Act of 1934, which already regulates robocalls and telemarketing.
- Adds two new subsections: (k) for mandatory AI disclosures and (l) for doubled penalties in deceptive AI cases.
- Expands definitions of robocalls and text messages to explicitly cover AI-generated content, closing gaps in current rules that focus more on prerecorded messages without addressing AI mimicry.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Reduces risks of scams, misinformation, or harassment from AI-generated fake voices or texts, making communications more trustworthy and less intrusive.
- On Government Agencies: Increases workload for the FCC to enforce disclosures and pursue higher penalties, potentially leading to more investigations and fines against violators.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could influence global standards for AI in telecom if other countries adopt similar rules; it applies to U.S.-based communications but may affect cross-border calls.
- Overall, promotes safer digital communication without broadly restricting legitimate AI uses.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Consumers and Recipients: Primary beneficiaries, protected from deceptive AI robocalls and texts.
- Telecommunications Companies and Service Providers: Must comply with disclosure rules for their automated systems, facing potential fines if they fail.
- AI Developers and Users: Businesses or individuals using AI for marketing or calls need to add disclosures; those engaging in fraud face steeper consequences.
- Regulators (e.g., FCC): Gain tools for stronger enforcement but may need resources for monitoring AI technologies.
- Law Enforcement: Easier to prosecute intentional harms, aiding efforts against fraud.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens consumer protection laws by adapting them to AI advancements, potentially setting a precedent for regulating emerging tech in communications. It builds on existing FCC authority without creating new agencies.
- Constitutional: Could raise free speech concerns if disclosures are seen as limiting expression, but the focus on fraud and deception likely aligns with protections for truthful commercial speech. No direct challenges to privacy rights, as it targets senders rather than monitoring recipients.
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from different parties) reflects broad concern over AI-driven scams; may encourage further legislation on AI ethics, but could spark debates on overregulation of innovation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (27)
Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Vindman, Eugene [D-VA-7], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray, Jr. [D-CA-31], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-06: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H519)
- 2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Quashing Unwanted and Interruptive Electronic Telecommunications Act — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (5 pages)