Political consultant defies court order over AI-generated Biden robocalls
A political consultant orchestrated robocalls using AI-generated speech mimicking former President Biden to suppress turnout in New Hampshire's 2024 primary. Though acquitted in criminal court, a federal judge ordered him to pay $22,500 in damages to three voters and imposed a nationwide ban on similar conduct, which he has defied.
What happened
Steve Kramer admitted orchestrating robocalls sent to thousands of New Hampshire voters two days before the state's January 23, 2024 presidential primary.
Recipients heard an AI-generated voice similar to Biden's that suggested voting in the primary would preclude voters from casting ballots in November, telling them 'It's important that you save your vote for the November election. Your votes make a difference in November, not this Tuesday.'
Kramer testified he paid a New Orleans magician $150 to create the recording because he wanted to alert the public to potential dangers of AI in campaigns.
Reported impact
A federal court judge ordered Kramer to pay $7,500 to each of three voters who sued, totaling $22,500, after Kramer failed to appear in court.
The judge also banned Kramer from engaging in the same conduct nationwide.
Index analysis
Kramer was acquitted of voter suppression and impersonating a candidate in a criminal trial, though the judge in the subsequent civil case ruled against him.
The FCC previously issued Kramer a $6 million fine, which he has also refused to pay.
Governance controls
Caren Short, director of legal and research at the League of Women Voters, described the decision as 'a critical precedent against the weaponization of artificial intelligence in elections.'
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.