News

AI Biden Robocall Mastermind Acquitted in NH Trial

8785
19
Jun

A New Orleans political operative, Steven Kramer, who confessed to creating AI-driven robocalls mimicking President Biden, has been found not guilty by a Belknap County Superior Court jury. The calls, deployed just before the 2024 New Hampshire primary, urged voters to “save” their vote for the November election, using a voice convincingly similar to Biden’s.

Kramer, who previously worked for Dean Phillips’ campaign challenging Biden, claimed he orchestrated the calls to highlight the perils of artificial intelligence.

Key Points:

  • Acquittal: Steven Kramer acquitted on all charges related to the AI Biden robocalls.
  • The Robocalls: Thousands of New Hampshire residents received calls urging them to skip the primary.
  • Kramer’s Defense: He argued the calls were a warning about AI’s potential dangers.
  • Legal Aftermath: Despite the acquittal, the Attorney General’s office remains committed to election law enforcement.

Related Developments:

During the trial in Laconia, Kramer reiterated his motive, stating he aimed to spotlight the risks of AI. He faced 11 felony counts of voter suppression and 11 counts of impersonating a political candidate, consolidated from charges filed by various county attorneys.

Attorney General John Formella acknowledged the jury’s service and affirmed his office’s dedication to upholding election integrity, particularly regarding emerging technologies like AI.

A street magician revealed in February 2024 that Kramer hired him to create the artificial Biden voice. The Phillips campaign denied any involvement and distanced themselves from Kramer.

In September 2024, the FCC fined Kramer $6 million for the robocalls, which were designed to appear as if they originated from a local Democrat. Lingo Telecom, the robocall distributor, separately agreed to a $1 million fine.

Tags: NH News, New England News Collaborative, robocalls, AI, election interference

Ngoc Vy

Ngoc Vy is a tech journalist specializing in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and their societal impact. She combines technical rigor with on-the-ground coverage of Vietnam’s startup ecosystem, from AI ethics debates to gov-tech adoption. Ngoc Vy is also passionate about bridging the gender gap in STEM journalism.