Overview of the New Guidelines
The Japan Actors Union (JAU) has released the first edition of the "Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI for Voices." These guidelines establish detailed standards and regulations on how the voices of actors and voice actors should be used. Specifically, they prohibit the unauthorized use of AI-generated voices, prioritize human performers, and include agreements concerning data monitoring and compensation.
Response from Dragon Ball Voice Actors
In the press conference, Masako Nozawa (voice of Son Goku) and Bin Shimada (voice of Broly) from Dragon Ball attended and expressed concerns about the unauthorized use of voices by generative AI. Nozawa commented, "The world we dreamed of as children is becoming a reality, but it's a bit disappointing that our voices are being used without permission." Shimada also mentioned hearing an AI-generated song using his voice without consent, saying, "Personal use is not an issue, but it is unacceptable for a voice actor's voice to be publicly shared online without authorization."
Responses and Movements in the Voice Acting Industry
In the voice acting industry, the unauthorized use of voices by generative AI has long been an issue. Voice actor Yuki Kaji has developed a new voice synthesis program "Soyogi Fractal" and established his own company to protect his voice from the impact of generative AI. Additionally, several voice actors have formed a group called "No More Unauthorized Generative AI" to protect voice actors from unauthorized use of their voices.
Furthermore, voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda filed a lawsuit last year against the company operating the video-sharing app TikTok, claiming his voice was used without authorization. This lawsuit provided an opportunity to reassess the legal aspects of generative AI mimicking the voices of voice actors.
