Tennessee lawmakers have taken a groundbreaking step in safeguarding the voices of singers from being exploited by artificial intelligence (AI) without their permission. The newly introduced bill, known as the “ELVIS Act” or “ensuring, likeness, voice and image security,” aims to add the term “voice” to the state’s existing list of protected personal rights, which currently includes an individual’s name, photograph, and likeness.
The primary objective of the bill is to prevent the unauthorized use of a musician’s voice to create songs or content that they did not create. With the rising advancements in AI technology, there is a growing concern that artists’ voices could be manipulated or replicated without their knowledge or consent. The proposed legislation seeks to address this issue by providing singers with additional legal protection against such unauthorized exploitation.
Legal experts and proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to prevent the misuse of a celebrity’s recognizable voice for commercial purposes, such as endorsing products. However, they emphasize that the bill goes beyond this, targeting instances where fake versions of artists’ voices are used to create fabricated songs for non-commercial purposes.
While the bill has gained support from many songwriters and musicians who believe it will protect their original work from theft, critics argue that its current language is too broad. Representatives from the Motion Picture Association expressed concerns that the bill could potentially infringe on free speech rights, making it difficult for TV shows and movies based on real people and events to be produced in Tennessee.
The discussion surrounding the bill also brought up the issue of tribute bands and the unintended consequences it may have on their performances. Some worry that the current language in the bill could inadvertently impose liability on tribute bands that perform songs by well-known artists. These bands are not intended to deceive the audience, but rather pay homage to the original artists.
While the bill’s language is still being fine-tuned to address these concerns, lawmakers have taken a significant step forward in recognizing the importance of protecting singers’ voices from the potential misuse of AI technology. This proactive approach highlights the need to adapt legislation to keep pace with advancements in the digital world while ensuring the rights of artists are safeguarded.
ELVIS Act: The “ELVIS Act” stands for “ensuring, likeness, voice and image security.” It is a newly introduced bill in Tennessee that aims to add the term “voice” to the state’s existing list of protected personal rights, which currently includes an individual’s name, photograph, and likeness.
AI: Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.
Unauthorized use of a musician’s voice: Refers to the use of a musician’s voice without their permission or consent.
Legal protection: The concept of providing legal mechanisms to safeguard the rights and interests of individuals or entities.
Celebrity’s recognizable voice for commercial purposes: Refers to the use of a well-known person’s voice to endorse or promote commercial products.
Fabricated songs for non-commercial purposes: Songs that are created artificially using an artist’s voice without their knowledge or consent, not for commercial gain.
Free speech rights: Refers to the right to express one’s thoughts, ideas, and opinions freely without censorship or restriction.
Tribute bands: Bands that perform songs by well-known artists as a tribute or homage to the original artists.
Related links:
Tennessee Official Website
Bill Text
Motion Picture Association
The source of the article is from the blog mgz.com.tw