Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
As of October 7, 2026, no. The FCC is considering—but has not been reported to have granted—a petition that would let political groups make certain artificial or prerecorded voice calls to cellphones without prior consent. The request could cover AI-generated voices, but the FCC’s 2024 ruling treats AI voice-cloning calls as covered by the existing restriction.
What would the FCC waiver change?
Federal law generally requires prior consent for artificial or prerecorded voice calls to cellphones. The Club for Growth petition asks the FCC to waive that requirement for political groups making unsolicited wireless calls. In its October 7, 2026, report, The Associated Press described the request as pending and said the FCC had advanced it for public comment.
| Issue | Reported position as of October 7, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Automated or prerecorded calls to cellphones | Generally require prior consent under the existing rule, according to The Associated Press. |
| Political groups’ requested exception | The Club for Growth seeks permission to make covered calls to wireless phones without prior consent; the petition had not been reported as granted. |
| Unsolicited automated calls to landlines | The AP report says these are already allowed, in contrast to the cellphone rule. |
| Conditions described in the petition | If granted, the reported terms would include an opt-out method and a limit of three calls per individual recipient within 30 days, according to the AP report. |
This is a request for a specific political-call exception, not a general authorization for every campaign call or every kind of election message. The report also says state and federal laws against deception and voter intimidation would remain in force. Those laws and the petition’s proposed conditions do not establish that misleading calls would be prevented or that an opt-out would be effective in practice.
Why does the petition seek an exception?
The Club for Growth argues that a waiver could help political organizations reach prospective voters, including in more languages, and improve polling by reaching more people. It also says an exception could make the regulatory landscape more uniform and correct rules it considers outdated and harmful to political speech. These are the petitioner’s claimed benefits, not outcomes established by the AP report.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What are the main concerns about more political robocalls?
Consumer advocates and FCC Commissioner Ana Gomez warn that relaxing the consent rule could mean more unwanted partisan calls and more opportunity for election misinformation, particularly close to Election Day. Gomez opposed the move and predicted “a tsunami of robocalls and misinformation.” She said, “We’ve already seen dark money groups use AI to put candidates’ likeness behind inflammatory comments ahead of this election,” and argued that removing the consent requirement could intensify that tactic.
Tim Harper, who leads the elections team at the Center for Democracy and Technology, said a decision near Election Day could create “a huge opportunity for abuse during a period where harm has outsized impact.” He also warned, “Campaigns will use this technology to target voters in deceptive ways.” These are attributed concerns and predictions, not measured effects of the pending request.
Rank #2
- Unlocked: Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other major carriers.
- Super-bright 6.7" display + Bass Boost: Take your entertainment to the next level with a fast-refreshing 120Hz display* and stereo sound with more powerful bass****.
- 50MP** Quad Pixel camera system: Capture sharper photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity—and share beautiful selfies with a 16MP front camera.
- Superfast 5G performance*****: Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM with RAM Boost.******
- Long-lasting battery + TurboPower charging***: Work and play all day with a 5000mAh battery, then get hours of power in just minutes.
Risks raised about conversational AI and voter data
Mekela Panditharatne, senior counsel in the Brennan Center for Justice democracy program, warned that an AI system that talks with voters could make false promises about a candidate or manipulate people with inaccurate or incomplete information. Harper also raised a privacy concern: callers may not know how an AI agent is capturing information from a conversation or whether that information will be reused. These concerns are distinct from the risk of a prerecorded voice impersonating a candidate; a conversational system could respond to a voter in real time.
Recommended Free Tools
Can campaigns use AI-generated voices in political robocalls?
The FCC’s 2024 declaratory ruling said calls using AI voice-cloning technology fall under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act’s restriction on artificial or prerecorded voices. That is the reported current position for covered calls. The pending 2026 petition seeks a waiver for political calls; the October 7 AP account does not say the FCC has granted it or reversed the 2024 ruling.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
The FCC also announced a separate proposal in July 2024 seeking comment on how to define AI-generated calls, disclose AI use, support technologies that alert and protect consumers, and preserve beneficial uses for people with disabilities. That proceeding was a broader consumer-protection proposal, not the political robocall waiver now under consideration.
What earlier election incidents show—and do not show
The 2024 New Hampshire primary call
During the 2024 New Hampshire presidential primary, thousands of voters received a robocall using an AI-generated imitation of then-President Joe Biden. The message urged voters to skip the primary and save their votes for the general election. The FCC later ruled that robocalls made with AI voice-cloning tools were prohibited under the consumer protection act. The AP reported that the political consultant behind the call was acquitted of criminal voter-suppression charges but faced federal fines and civil damages.
Rank #4
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
The 2020 false warnings about voting by mail
In 2020, tens of thousands of prospective voters in majority-Black areas received robocalls falsely warning that voting by mail could lead to arrest or debt collection. The Associated Press reported in 2026 that the two people behind the calls were criminally charged and fined about $5.1 million for violating the TCPA. That amount is the AP’s reported figure, not a figure independently established here from a primary court record.
When might the FCC decide?
The AP reported that the reply-comment period was due to end October 19, 2026, and that the agency could move forward afterward, with a decision possible as soon as late October. Those are reported procedural expectations, not a guarantee of a decision date or outcome. The status described here is the status reported on October 7, 2026; the proceeding may change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
