AI-generated voices are allowing creators to localize their content at an unprecedented scale.
But is it legal to use AI-generated voices, and what are the rules you need to follow?
In this article, we’ll explore the current laws around AI voices, how to use them safely and legally, and what the future might hold in terms of regulations.
The current legal framework governing AI-generated voices is fragmented and rapidly evolving :
In the United States, existing copyright laws do not adequately address the complexities posed by digital replicas, such as AI-generated voice clones. The U.S. Copyright Office has acknowledged this gap and proposed the introduction of new federal laws to ensure that individuals' voices are protected from unauthorized use. Specifically, the proposed law would cover digital replicas, making it illegal to distribute or publicly use an AI-generated voice without the individual's consent, regardless of whether the individual is a public figure or not.
A recent example of legislative development is the ELVIS Act, passed in Tennessee in 2024. This law expands the existing Personal Rights Protection Act to include protections for individuals' voices, whether real or simulated. The ELVIS Act makes it a civil and criminal offense to use someone's voice without authorization, reflecting the growing concern over AI-generated voice cloning. It is one of the first laws in the U.S. to address voice rights specifically, signaling a potential shift towards more comprehensive regulations at both state and federal levels.
On the international front, regulations are also evolving to keep pace with AI advancements. In the European Union, the AI Act has been introduced to manage the use of copyrighted materials in training AI models. This law mandates that rights holders must authorize the use of their content for training AI, which includes voice data.
The United Kingdom has also addressed the issue by acknowledging that compositions generated by AI can be protected under copyright law, especially if they were produced without direct human authorship.
Overall, while the current laws around AI-generated voices are still catching up to technological advancements, the trend is clear: governments are increasingly working to create a framework that ensures individuals' rights to their voice are respected.
Using AI-generated voices is generally legal and, with a few precautions, safe for most content creators.
The introduction of new laws is not intended to ban the use of AI voices but rather to protect individuals from unauthorized use of their identity. This means that as long as you have the proper permissions, you are well within your rights to use AI-generated voices.
For content creators, ifyou are using a generic AI-generated voice that doesn't impersonate a specific person, you can usually proceed without concern for infringement.
However, if you're training and selling AI-generated voices that's anothe matter. You generally need licensing agreements to safeguard your use of AI voices. These agreements clearly outline how the voice can be used, including the duration and scope of the license. This helps establish a clear understanding between both parties, reducing the risk of future disputes. For instance, the European Union’s AI Act emphasizes the importance of obtaining authorization from rights holders when using their content for training AI models.
Transparency is also an important factor in staying compliant. Including disclaimers that indicate when a voice is AI-generated can help reassure audiences and avoid any confusion. It’s not just about legality; it’s about building trust with your audience. The UK’s approach to AI-generated compositions stresses transparency, encouraging content creators to clearly inform viewers or listeners when AI voices are used.
While using AI-generated voices is generally safe today, the future legal landscape might introduce new challenges. Governments around the world are increasingly paying attention to the ethical implications and potential misuse of AI voices, and it is likely that more stringent laws will emerge.
One potential future risk is the stricter enforcement of consent requirements. As of now, securing explicit consent is the best practice, but future regulations could make it mandatory in all cases, regardless of whether the voice is generic or intended to impersonate someone specific. Laws like the ELVIS Act in Tennessee and proposed federal laws in the United States already emphasize the importance of individual consent.
Another area that could see tighter regulations is the transparency and disclosure of AI usage. Future laws might require more prominent disclaimers when AI-generated voices are used, possibly imposing penalties for failing to disclose the use of AI in creative works. The EU's AI Act already sets a precedent for this, mandating transparency in how AI models are trained and used.
Finally, the evolving definition of intellectual property might bring new risks. As copyright and personal rights laws continue to adapt to AI, developers and content creators may face stricter limitations on how they can use and monetize AI-generated voices. The current trend suggests that lawmakers will continue to expand protections to prevent unauthorized use and potential exploitation of individuals' voices.
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