U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) recently highlighted the growing threat of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled fraud, particularly targeting senior citizens, during a hearing on consumer protection in Washington, D.C. As the holiday season approaches, Blackburn expressed concerns over the sophistication and prevalence of scams that utilise these emerging technologies to deceive vulnerable consumers.
“Older Americans are the ones who have been hit most frequently with this, as an emerging threat,” Blackburn stated, emphasising the alarming trend of AI-driven deception. The senator elaborated on the tactics employed by fraudsters, noting that they create highly personalised and convincing attacks. She explained how these scams have become more sophisticated: “The spear phishing emails that really use a lot of this, make it appear that it’s coming from a trusted source. And adding to this, the chat box, which makes it appear that you are having an actual real-time conversation with someone, is very disarming.”
The senator highlighted the juxtaposition of AI's benefits and drawbacks in Tennessee, a state known for its advancements in industries that leverage AI, including manufacturing, healthcare, predictive diagnoses, and logistics. Blackburn acknowledged that while many in the state benefit from AI technologies, the negative implications for senior citizens cannot be overlooked. She noted that scams have surged, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reporting a $1 billion increase in scams over the last year, reaching a staggering total of $10 billion. “We know AI is what is driving a lot of this. It is a technology that is advancing so incredibly fast, and of course legislation never keeps pace with technology,” Blackburn said.
Highlighting the crucial need for legislative action, Blackburn asserted that consumers should be equipped with information about these threats. She called for the establishment of an online privacy standard, stating, “We’ve never passed… It is going to require that we take those actions.” Blackburn’s comments reflect a broader consensus on the urgent need to enhance privacy measures and protect citizens from virtual threats.
In response to the escalating challenges posed by AI-driven scams, Blackburn has previously introduced legislative initiatives aimed at combating these issues, including the Creating Opportunities for Personal Information and Data (COPIED) Act and the No Fakes Act, both designed to mitigate the negative impacts of AI and hold offenders accountable for abuses. The hearing served as a platform not only for raising awareness but also for laying the groundwork for future legislative efforts aimed at safeguarding consumers in an increasingly digital landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services