VOICE cloning technologies can generate a near-perfect voice clone based on a short audio clip or snippet of someone’s voice. The technology has potential to help people — for example, people who’ve lost their ability to speak, offering them a powerful and valuable means of communication. But, in the wrong hands, voice cloning technologies can do harm.
Take, for example, the family emergency scam, where an impostor pretends to be a distressed relative. A scammer could clone a voice that sounds just like your loved one. Scammers could also clone the voice of a CEO or other company executive. Then trick employees into transferring large sums of money or to pay a fake invoice.
As part of its ongoing focus on these issues, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is announcing the Voice Cloning Challenge — a call-to-action to innovators to develop solutions that protect consumers from voice cloning harms. The winner will take home a prize of $25,000.
Participants can start working on their submissions now! The FTC will accept submissions online from January 2 to 12, 2024.The FTC will announce winners after submissions are judged. For answers to frequently asked questions, entrance details, and more, see the Voice Cloning Challenge at https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/contests/ftc-voice-cloning-challenge.
(Alvaro Puig/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC)