CONCORD, N.H. (NEWSnet/AP) — League of Women Voters filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking to prevent those who sent who sent robocalls mimicking President Joe Biden’s voice to New Hampshire voters from using artificial intelligence for deception.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in New Hampshire against Steve Kramer, the political consultant behind the call, and two Texas companies authorities believe were involved in transmitting it, Lingo Telecom and Life Corporation.

Citing violations of both state law and federal law, it asks a judge to impose fines and bar the defendants from producing and distributing AI-generated robocalls without permission from those being impersonated.

At issue is a message sent to thousands of New Hampshire voters on Jan. 21 featured a voice similar to Biden’s falsely suggesting that voting in the state’s presidential primary would preclude them from casting ballots in November.

Kramer, who paid a magician and self-described “digital nomad” who provides technology consulting $150 to create the recording, said he orchestrated the call to publicize the potential danger of artificial intelligence and spur action from lawmakers.

Attorneys representing the plaintiffs said they will challenge that “self-serving” explanation.

“Regardless of the motivation, the intent here was to suppress the vote and to threaten and coerce voters into not voting out of fear that they might lose their right to vote. That’s why we’re bringing this case,” said Mark Herring, a former attorney general in Virginia.

A spokesperson for Kramer declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying his attorneys had not received it. Lingo Telecom and Life Corporation did not  respond to messages requesting comment.

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