Tennessee Governor, Bill Lee, has introduced groundbreaking legislation aimed at safeguarding songwriters, performers, and other music industry professionals from the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). This move positions Tennessee as a pioneer in protecting artists’ voices and may set a precedent for other states. The announcement took place at the renowned RCA Studio A in Nashville, a location renowned for hosting legendary artists like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Charley Pride.
Governor Lee’s proposed legislation addresses concerns surrounding the unauthorized replication of artists’ voices using AI technology without their consent. To ensure proper protection, the Governor plans to draw insights from one of Tennessee’s most iconic residents, Elvis Presley. Following Presley’s death in 1977, issues arose regarding the unauthorized use of his name and likeness. In response, the Tennessee Legislature enacted the Personal Rights Protection Act in 1984, recognizing that personality rights extend beyond an individual’s lifetime and can be inherited. This legislation has been crucial in safeguarding Presley’s estate and has since been lauded for protecting the names, photographs, and likenesses of all prominent figures in Tennessee.
Although New York and California have similar protections, no state has implemented legislation specifically regarding vocal likeness. With the advent of AI and its potential threat to various artistic industries, there is a growing demand for stronger safeguards against AI tools that can reproduce artwork, music, video, and text. Songwriter Jamie Moore, a four-time Grammy nominee, argues that the unauthorized use of someone’s lifetime experiences or voice by a machine is unequivocally wrong.
The primary goal of this legislation is to prevent AI tools from reproducing an artist’s work without their permission, regardless of its form. Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, emphasizes the importance of ensuring fair compensation for artists and combatting the unauthorized use of their work. Herbison notes the rapid advancement of generative AI tools in creating emotional and impactful art, further supporting the urgency of effective legislation.
The introduction of this legislation in Tennessee provides a glimpse into the future of protecting artists’ rights in an AI-driven world. While other states and even the federal government are starting to address the issue of AI’s impact on various industries, Tennessee is taking the lead in addressing the unique challenges faced by artists. The proposed legislation not only sets the stage for a paradigm shift in protecting artists but also ignites a wider conversation about the ethical implications of AI technology.
The source of the article is from the blog elblog.pl