California Attorney General Bonta Denounces Disinformation Robocalls

Introduction:

In a concerted effort to combat the rising tide of misleading robocalls, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined forces with a bipartisan coalition of 51 attorneys general. The coalition issued a stern warning to Life Corporation (Life Corp), a company allegedly responsible for deploying scam election robocalls during the New Hampshire primary election. The calls, utilizing artificial intelligence to impersonate the president, aimed to dissuade voters from participating in the primary. Attorney General Bonta, part of the nationwide Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, cautioned Life Corp to cease any illicit call traffic immediately to avoid potential violations of federal and state consumer protection laws.

The Regulatory Landscape:

Attorney General Bonta, since assuming office, has prioritized consumer protection, with a particular focus on curbing the incessant nuisance of robocalls. Beyond being an everyday annoyance, these calls pose genuine financial threats and, in this instance, potentially undermine the integrity of the democratic process. The warning extends beyond state lines, reflecting a bipartisan commitment to a nationwide initiative against unwanted robocalls.

Life Corp’s Alleged Tactics:

The Task Force’s investigation into Life Corp reveals alleged deceptive practices. The company purportedly employed call spoofing techniques, making calls appear as though they originated from legitimate New Hampshire political party officials. Subsequently, Life Corp disseminated inaccurate information about elections and voting, contributing to the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

Cease-and-Desist Measures:

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In tandem with the nationwide warning, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office issued a cease-and-desist letter against Life Corp as part of its ongoing investigation. Simultaneously, the Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau issued a cease-and-desist letter to Lingo Telecom, identified as supporting illegal robocall traffic for Life Corp. These measures underscore the severity of the allegations and the collective resolve to thwart illicit robocall operations.

National Task Force’s Vigilance:

The Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, comprising 51 attorneys general, is actively engaged in investigating and pursuing legal action against entities responsible for channeling substantial volumes of illegal robocall traffic across the United States. Attorney General Bonta’s involvement in this task force reinforces California’s commitment to consumer protection and supports a nationwide front against the scourge of robocalls.

Enforcement Against Emerging Threats:

Beyond the recent warning, Attorney General Bonta continues his proactive stance on consumer protections. Earlier this month, he joined a coalition of 26 attorneys general in responding to the Federal Communications Commission’s notice of inquiry regarding the potential impact of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technology on combatting illegal robocalls. In May 2023, Attorney General Bonta, part of a bipartisan coalition, filed a lawsuit against Avid Telecom for its alleged role in facilitating billions of unlawful robocalls, including scams related to Social Security Administration, Medicare, and employment. Furthermore, in January 2022, Attorney General Bonta, as part of a bipartisan multistate coalition, urged the FCC to take decisive action against the deluge of illegal foreign-based robocalls that manipulate U.S. phone numbers.

Conclusion:

The nationwide warning issued to Life Corp underscores the collective determination of attorneys general across the country to protect consumers from the deleterious effects of misleading robocalls. As technology evolves, so do the tactics of bad actors, necessitating a vigilant and collaborative response. Attorney General Bonta’s involvement in the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force signifies a united front against this pervasive threat, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding both consumers and the democratic process from the scourge of illicit robocalls.