UK Actors Call for Legislation to Protect Voices from AI Cloning

Performers Advocate for Voice Ownership

A group of over 80 UK performers, including notable actors Matt Lucas, Hugh Bonneville, and Nicola Coughlan, have formally requested that the UK government introduce new legislation. Their demand centers on establishing a legal right for every individual in the UK to own their voice, aiming to provide protection against unauthorized AI voice cloning.

Concerns Over AI Voice Cloning

The campaign, co-founded by audiobook narrator Alice Sockett, describes AI voice cloning as an "existential threat" to the industry. Voice clones can be generated rapidly, with quick versions made from minutes of audio and high-quality copies requiring hours of source material. Performers express concern that their voices, though publicly available, lack legal protection against such replication.

Government Response and Future Plans

A government spokesperson acknowledged that while digital replicas offer powerful tools for creative industries, they also present potential for harm. The government stated its commitment to protecting human creators and announced plans to launch a consultation. This consultation will address how to mitigate these harms while simultaneously safeguarding legitimate innovation in AI technology.

Broader Industry Impact and Legal Context

Beyond actors, the letter has garnered support from other performing artists, including singer Sandi Thom, who emphasized the personal and emotional connection to one's voice. This push for new legislation follows previous warnings from legal experts that existing UK laws are becoming inadequate in the face of advanced AI technologies, which currently do not fully protect an individual's voice, face, or identity.