Japan to Protect Rights of Voices over Generative AI Use

Tokyo, July 14 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Justice Ministry has come up with a draft report calling for the protection of the voices of famous individuals, alongside their portraits, regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence. The draft report on civil responsibility over the unauthorized use of portraits and voices of famous people was submitted to an expert committee Monday. The ministry will release a final report as early as August after receiving expert feedback. Many things remain unclear regarding what constitutes illegal use of voices as no Japanese court ruling has been issued on related rights. The ministry said that it hopes the final report will be used as a reference in lawsuits and AI development. The draft assumes, for example, a scenario in which a sound source that may mislead people into thinking that a voice actor is reading an obscene text is created with the use of generative AI and posted on social media for profit. If the infringement of the affected person’s feelings of honor and the peace of his or her personal life exceeds the tolerable limit, it could constitute an illegal act, according to the draft. The draft also noted criteria for determining the similarity between the voices of famous individuals and those created by generative AI as well as potential violations of the “right of publicity,” which allows celebrities to control the commercial value of their portraits. Meanwhile, entertaining expressions to impersonate celebrities and mimic their voices are considered artistic appeals and generally do not infringe on the right of publicity, the draft says. Damage caused by generative AI is becoming serious. Among problematic practices are “AI covers,” in which people have AI tools learn the voices of singers and voice actors, and sing songs using the professionals’ voices. Voice actors from popular animation works are calling for countermeasures. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]