Professor Joseph Fishman, an expert in law at Vanderbilt Law School, warns about the dangers of AI technology in the music industry. He highlights how artists can have their voices manipulated and used in ways they never intended, with examples such as deepfake collaborations between big-name artists and synthetic versions of deceased singers appearing online.
In response to these concerns, Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee has introduced the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act, also known as the ELVIS Act, to give musicians control over their voices. However, Fishman argues that the bill is too broad in its scope and could potentially stifle creativity in the industry.
The ELVIS Act would hold individuals liable for using another person’s vocal sound without permission, which could impact Elvis impersonators, tribute bands, and even legitimate vocal interpolations in songs. The bill could also have implications for the film industry, affecting biopics and docudramas that depict real public figures with accuracy.
Fishman urges the Tennessee legislature to revise the bill to specifically target the deceptive use of AI-generated voices, rather than potentially limiting artistic expression. Without these changes, the law could inadvertently restrict voices in ways that were not intended by its creators.
As the debate over AI technology and artistic rights continues, it is crucial for lawmakers to strike a balance between protecting individuals from misuse of their voices and preserving creative freedom in the music and entertainment industries.
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