Japan Panel Backs Liability for Unauthorized AI Use of Voices

Tokyo, July 27 (Jiji Press)–An expert committee of Japan’s Justice Ministry broadly approved a draft report Monday on civil liability for the unauthorized use of the voices of famous individuals through generative artificial intelligence. The report said that voices would be subject to legal protection under the right of publicity, which allows celebrities to control the commercial value of their names and portraits. It also noted that individuals can demand compensation or the removal of online posts if infringement of the right is confirmed. Voice actors and others are calling for clarification of what constitutes illegal use of their voices as no Japanese court ruling has been issued on the rights in question. The ministry will release a final report as early as August, based on opinions from experts. Specifically, the draft assumed that violators create a sound source using generative AI to make people believe that an actor or a singer is singing another person’s song, and post it on social media for profit. Even if the generated voice is not identical to the original, similarities in voice quality and style may still constitute a violation, according to the report. Conversely, impersonations and voice imitations of celebrities generally do not constitute infringement of the right of publicity, as performers use their own names to highlight their resemblance to the celebrities. Additionally, the draft report noted that generating sexual images from an actor’s portrait using AI could infringe on both the right of publicity and portrait rights. Generative AI-related damage has become significant, with issues such as “AI cover,” where voices of singers and voice actors are used without permission, and sexual deepfakes, where actors’ images are altered into obscene content. In response to widespread calls for action, the ministry aims to create an environment that facilitates legal recourse for victims. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]