Key facts
- Actors are backing a campaign against AI voice cloning.
- The 'Save Our Voices Now' campaign seeks legal ownership of voices for individuals.
- Concerns include identity theft, artistic rights, and the rapid advancement of AI technology.
- A petition calls for legislative control over AI voice cloning.
- 28% of UK adults report being targeted by voice-cloning scams.
A coalition of actors, including Nicola Coughlan, Hugh Bonneville, and Matt Lucas, are lending their support to the 'Save Our Voices Now' campaign, which aims to combat the growing threat of artificial intelligence voice cloning. The initiative highlights the potential for AI technology to replicate individuals' voices without consent, raising significant concerns about identity theft, artistic rights, and the ethical implications of such advancements.
Bonneville emphasized the uniqueness of his voice as part of his identity, a sentiment echoed by the campaign's broader message. The movement has garnered support from approximately 80 individuals who have signed an open letter to the prime minister. Concurrently, a petition has been launched on Gov.uk, advocating for all British citizens to be granted legal ownership of their voices as a statutory right.
Siobhán McSweeney expressed deep concern that the rapid progress of AI technology is outpacing the development of necessary legislation, contracts, and ethical frameworks to protect artists' rights. She stressed the importance of integrating AI as a beneficial tool rather than allowing it to render human contributions obsolete, calling for legislative control to address this existential problem. McSweeney asserted that human connection remains vital for audiences and that the human element should not be removed from creative processes.
The campaign reports that a significant portion of the UK adult population, 28%, has already been targeted by voice-cloning scams. Peter Caulfield, the founder of Save Our Voices Now, described the ease with which voices can be cloned and misused, likening the situation to a real-life 'Black Mirror' episode. He criticized the government for allowing AI companies to profit from stolen voices without consent and for enabling criminals to exploit AI for identity theft.
In parallel, Denmark has enacted reforms that grant citizens legal ownership over their own face, body, and voice, empowering them to demand the removal of unauthorized AI-generated content and seek compensation.