By Ariel Shapiro, lead reporter of Hot Pod, a newsletter covering podcasting and the audio industry. She previously worked at Forbes, where she covered media and entertainment.
The Ringer’s union recently ratified a new contract with Spotify, securing increased pay and severance for its members. However, one of the most important aspects of the contract is the protection it provides regarding Spotify’s use of generative AI. While the union fought hard to require consent for cloning voices or using names on AI content, they also agreed to allow Spotify to use AI for translating The Ringer’s podcasts into other languages.
Under the new contract, Spotify must obtain consent from union employees in order to clone their voices. This provision ensures that employees who do not want to be replaced by AI versions of themselves are safeguarded. With advancements in generative audio AI, there may come a time when it becomes virtually impossible to distinguish between a host’s real voice and its AI clone. The contract, at least for now, prevents such scenarios from becoming a reality.
However, it is important to note that the protection offered by the contract does not extend to AI-enabled translations. Spotify does not need permission from employees to use digital replicas of their voices for translating audio into other languages. As a compromise, employees have the option to request a disclosure in the episode, indicating that the voice was generated by AI.
This agreement reflects the ongoing debate surrounding AI and its potential impact on the workforce. While it is clear that AI has the ability to streamline processes and increase efficiency, there are also concerns about job security and loss of control over one’s public image.
FAQ:
1. Why did the union fight for protections regarding Spotify’s use of generative AI?
– The union wanted to ensure that Spotify obtained consent before cloning voices or using names on AI content to protect employees from being replaced by AI versions of themselves.
2. Can Spotify translate The Ringer’s podcasts into other languages using AI without obtaining consent?
– Yes, under the new contract, Spotify has the ability to use digital replicas of employees’ voices for AI-enabled translations without needing permission. However, employees can request a disclosure in the episode indicating that the voice was generated by AI.
3. What does the contract aim to prevent?
– The contract aims to prevent scenarios where a host’s voice becomes indistinguishable from its AI clone, which could result in job loss and loss of control over one’s public image.
Sources:
– To read the original article by Ariel Shapiro, visit [Hot Pod](https://hotpodnews.com/).
Definitions:
– Generative AI: Refers to artificial intelligence technology that is capable of creating new content, such as voices or text, that resemble human-generated content.
– Union: An organized group of workers who come together to negotiate better working conditions, wages, and benefits with their employer.
FAQ:
1. Why did the union fight for protections regarding Spotify’s use of generative AI?
The union fought for these protections in order to ensure that employees have control over their own voices and to prevent the possibility of being replaced by AI versions of themselves. Consent is required from employees before Spotify can clone their voices or use their names on AI content.
2. Can Spotify translate The Ringer’s podcasts into other languages using AI without obtaining consent?
Yes, under the new contract, Spotify can use digital replicas of employees’ voices for AI-enabled translations without needing permission. However, employees have the option to request a disclosure in the episode, indicating that the voice was generated by AI.
3. What does the contract aim to prevent?
The contract aims to prevent scenarios where a host’s voice becomes indistinguishable from its AI clone. By requiring consent for voice cloning, it seeks to safeguard employees from potential job loss and loss of control over their public image.
Sources:
– To read the original article by Ariel Shapiro, visit [Hot Pod](https://hotpodnews.com/).
The source of the article is from the blog maltemoney.com.br