Do I need to tell callers they are speaking with an AI?

In most US states, you are not legally required to disclose that a caller is speaking with an AI, but the rules vary by state and situation, and the landscape is changing fast. California, for example, has the BOT Disclosure Act, which requires disclosure when an AI is being used to influence a sale or interact with consumers in certain commercial contexts. Several other states have introduced or passed similar legislation in recent years. If you operate across multiple states or handle sensitive transactions, it's worth a quick review with a lawyer familiar with your industry.

That said, the legal question and the practical question are two different things. Many businesses choose to be upfront about their AI receptionist simply because it sets better expectations. Callers who realize mid-conversation that they're talking to an AI can feel misled, which can damage trust before the real business relationship even starts. A simple, natural introduction like "Hi, I'm an AI assistant for [Business Name]" rarely puts callers off and often earns more goodwill than trying to obscure it. Most people today are accustomed to interacting with automated systems, and transparency tends to go over better than you'd expect.

There's also an industry dimension worth considering. Healthcare, financial services, and legal practices face additional compliance layers — including HIPAA and certain FTC guidelines — where transparency about automated handling of sensitive information may be required regardless of state law. If your business touches any of these areas, default to disclosure and document it as part of your process.

For businesses ready to stop missing calls, My AI Front Desk offers 24/7 AI receptionist coverage starting at $65/month, and it's built with customizable greetings so you can handle disclosure in a way that fits your brand and compliance needs. Learn more at myaifrontdesk.com.