A political consultant who sent artificial intelligence generated robocalls to voters ahead of New Hampshire's presidential election has been fined $6 million and faces more than two dozen criminal charges.

The Federal Communications Commission said Thursday's proposed fine for Steven Cramer is the first involving generative AI technology. Lingo Telecom, the company accused of broadcasting the calls, was fined $2 million, but the parties could settle or negotiate in both cases, the FCC said. Cramer acknowledged the message sent to thousands of voters two days before the Jan. 23 First in the Nation primary.

The message played an AI generated voice that mimicked the words of the Democratic president, who used his phrase and falsely suggested that voting in the primary would prevent voters from casting ballots in November. Cramer is charged with 13 counts of violating New Hampshire's law on attempting to prevent voting by using misleading information. Charges have been filed in four counties, and the state attorney general's office will investigate. Attorney General John Farmella said New Hampshire is committed to ensuring elections are free from unlawful interference.

I am pleased to see our federal partners equally committed to protecting consumers and voters from harmful robocalls and voter suppression, said Farmella, who appointed Republican Gov. Chris Sunu. Lingo Telecom said it strongly disagrees with the FCC's move, which it says is an attempt to impose new regulations. Lingo Telecom takes its regulatory responsibilities very seriously and has fully cooperated with federal and state agencies to help identify the parties responsible for the New Hampshire robocall campaign, the company said. Lingo Telecom said it was not involved in the production of these calls and that the measures it took were in compliance with all applicable federal regulations and industry standards.