Fact Check: Kramer admitted to using AI to mimic Biden's voice in robocalls!

Fact Check: "Kramer admitted to using AI to mimic Biden's voice in robocalls!"

What We Know

Steven Kramer, a political consultant, was involved in a controversial case where he sent out robocalls using an artificial intelligence-generated voice that mimicked former President Joe Biden. These calls were made just before the New Hampshire primary on January 23, 2024, and they urged voters to refrain from voting in the primary, suggesting instead that they should "save your vote for the November election" (AP News). The AI-generated voice even utilized Biden's recognizable catchphrase, "What a bunch of malarkey" (NPR).

Kramer admitted to orchestrating these calls, stating that he wanted to raise awareness about the potential dangers posed by AI in political campaigns. He testified that he paid a magician $150 to create the recording, emphasizing that his intention was to serve as a "wake-up call" regarding AI's implications in electoral processes (CBS News).

Analysis

The evidence clearly supports the claim that Kramer admitted to using AI to mimic Biden's voice in robocalls. His admission was made during court proceedings where he faced multiple charges, including voter suppression and impersonating a candidate. Although he was acquitted of these charges, his acknowledgment of commissioning the AI-generated calls is well-documented (NBC News).

The sources reporting on this case are credible and include major news organizations such as the Associated Press, NPR, and CBS News, which have a history of reliable reporting. The context of the case also highlights the growing concerns regarding the use of AI in political communication, as noted by FCC officials who expressed alarm over the potential for AI-generated content to mislead voters (NPR).

Kramer's defense argued that he did not impersonate Biden because the calls did not explicitly mention Biden's name, and he claimed that the primary was not a legitimate election sanctioned by the Democratic National Committee (DNC). However, this argument does not negate his admission of using AI to create a voice that closely resembled Biden's (AP News).

Conclusion

The claim that "Kramer admitted to using AI to mimic Biden's voice in robocalls" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that Kramer not only orchestrated the calls but also acknowledged his actions in court, aiming to highlight the dangers of AI in political contexts.

Sources

1. Consultant acquitted of AI robocall voter suppression charges
2. Criminal charges and FCC fines issued for deepfake Biden ...
3. Steve Kramer, who sent AI robocalls mimicking Biden ...
4. Political operative who admitted to creating fake Biden ...
5. Steven Kramer trial: Man found not guilty in AI robocall trial
6. New Hampshire jury acquits consultant behind AI robocalls ...
7. Consultant on Trial for AI-Generated Robocalls Mimicking ...
8. Democratic operative admits to commissioning fake Biden ...