Printed from voicescam.com/laws/ · Updated 23 October 2026
AI voice cloning laws
Using a cloned voice to trick someone out of money is fraud, which is already a crime. Newer rules go further: in the US, AI-generated voices in robocalls fall under existing robocall law, and some states protect a person's voice from being copied without permission.
If a cloned voice was used on you
- Stop any payment by calling your bank or payment company.
- Keep the recording, number and messages as evidence.
- Report it to the police and your national fraud service.
Fraud is already illegal
You do not need a special AI law for a voice scam to be a crime. Tricking someone into handing over money is fraud almost everywhere, whatever tool was used. The newer laws below cover the voice copy itself and the way calls are made.
United States: AI voices in robocalls
On 8 February 2024, the Federal Communications Commission ruled that AI-generated voices count as "artificial" voices under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (FCC). That means robocalls using a cloned or generated voice are subject to the same consent rules as other recorded calls, and state attorneys general can act against them.
United States: state voice laws
Some states protect a person's voice as part of their right to control how their identity is used. Tennessee's ELVIS Act, signed on 21 March 2024 and in force since 1 July 2024, added voice, including a simulated voice, to the state's personal rights law (Armstrong Teasdale).
European Union
The EU AI Act includes transparency duties for deepfakes, including generated audio. Deployers of AI systems that generate or manipulate such content are generally required to disclose that it was artificially generated or manipulated, and these duties are scheduled to apply from August 2026 (AI Act, Article 50).
United Kingdom
Since 7 October 2024, most people tricked into sending a bank transfer can be reimbursed by their bank, up to £85,000 per claim (Payment Systems Regulator). This applies whether or not the scam used a cloned voice.
At a glance
| Place | Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| United States | FCC ruling, February 2024 | AI voices in robocalls fall under robocall law |
| Tennessee | ELVIS Act, July 2024 | Your voice is protected from unauthorised copying |
| European Union | AI Act, Article 50 | Generated audio must generally be disclosed |
| United Kingdom | APP reimbursement, October 2024 | Banks must reimburse eligible bank transfer scam victims, up to £85,000 |
Signs a call may break these rules
- A recorded or generated voice calling without your permission.
- A spoofed or hidden number.
- A voice claiming to be someone you know asking for money.
- No clear way to opt out of future calls.
These pages explain the law in general terms. For advice on your situation, speak to a lawyer or your local consumer-protection agency.
Sources
- Federal Communications Commission, news release: "FCC makes AI-generated voices in robocalls illegal" (Declaratory Ruling FCC 24-17). Published 8 February 2024. Checked 23 October 2026.
- Armstrong Teasdale, advisory: "Tennessee's ELVIS Act becomes law". Published 27 March 2024. Checked 23 October 2026.
- EU Artificial Intelligence Act, Article 50: transparency obligations. Published 2024. Checked 23 October 2026.
- Payment Systems Regulator, authorised push payment (APP) scams reimbursement. Published October 2024. Checked 23 October 2026.
Common questions
Is it illegal to clone someone's voice?
It depends where you are and what the copy is used for. Using it to defraud someone is a crime. Some places, such as Tennessee, also restrict copying a voice without permission.
Can I sue someone who cloned my voice?
In some places, yes, especially where voice is protected by law. Speak to a lawyer about your situation.
Are AI robocalls illegal in the US?
They are covered by robocall law, which generally requires consent for recorded or artificial voice calls. Scam calls using AI voices break these rules.
Does the law make banks refund me?
In the UK, most bank transfer scam victims are entitled to reimbursement. Elsewhere it depends on local rules and how you paid.
