Actor Ned Luke, known for his portrayal of Michael De Santa in GTA 5, has recently expressed his concerns over the unlicensed use of his voice by AI company WAME in their Michael AI chatbot. Luke called out WAME on Twitter, stating that there is “nothing cool about ripping people off” and criticizing their use of a computer estimation of his voice. It appears that WAME has since deleted all relevant tweets and the chatbot itself from the internet.
This controversy follows Rockstar Games, the maker of Grand Theft Auto 5, shutting down an AI mod for the game last year. The mod allowed players to interact with non-playable characters using their own voice, but Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two issued a DMCA takedown, prompting its removal.
Luke’s concerns highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the use of voice actors’ performances in AI applications without their consent. The issue gained attention when SAG-AFTRA, the union representing video game voice actors, announced a deal allowing AI voices to be used by developers. Many voice actors claim they were not consulted about the deal and argue that their consent should be required.
In response to the controversy, WAME released a statement expressing understanding and concern for the utilization of Luke’s voice in their application. They emphasized their commitment to protecting the rights of voice actors and creators while advancing ethical AI practices. WAME acknowledged the oversight in their initial approach and removed the chatbot following Luke’s response.
It remains to be seen how Rockstar Games and the SAG-AFTRA union will respond to Luke’s concerns and the unauthorized use of his voice. The situation serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about the intersection of AI technology and legal and ethical considerations in the entertainment industry.
The source of the article is from the blog regiozottegem.be