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Concerns Rise Among Voice Actors Over AI Voice Synthesis and Job Security, (from page 20220225.)

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Summary

Voice actors are facing pressure to surrender rights to their voices for use in artificial intelligence (AI) generated content, raising concerns about job security and fair compensation. Advocacy groups highlight the risks of AI replacing human performances in the industry, with instances of AI-generated celebrity voices prompting ethical concerns. Many voice actors report that contract clauses allowing AI use are becoming common, often without their knowledge. While companies like ElevenLabs promote partnerships with voice actors, many actors fear losing their livelihoods to synthetic voices. The National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) is advising members on contract language to protect their rights, while some union members have secured protections against AI voice simulation. Overall, the rise of AI in voice acting is seen as a threat to the authenticity and economic stability of the profession.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Rise of AI-generated voices Voice actors face pressure to relinquish rights for AI-generated versions of their voices. Shift from human voice performances to AI-generated synthetic voices in entertainment. Potentially a significant reduction in demand for human voice actors in various media. Increasing demand for cost-effective and scalable voice solutions in entertainment and media. 5
Contractual rights issues Voice actors are increasingly signing ambiguous contracts regarding AI use of their voices. Transition from clear contracts to ambiguous clauses that allow AI voice synthesis without consent. Voice actors may lose control over their own likeness and voice usage in the industry. Desire for companies to maximize profits while minimizing costs associated with human labor. 4
Emergence of low-cost voice synthesis services Affordable AI voice synthesis services are becoming widely available for users. Shift from expensive professional voice acting to accessible AI voice generation for all. Widespread use of AI-generated voices in various sectors, reducing opportunities for voice actors. Technological advancements lowering barriers to entry for voice synthesis. 4
Consent and ongoing performance rights Voice actors express concerns over the lack of ongoing consent in performances. Change from established consent practices to potential exploitation through AI. Actors may face challenges in maintaining agency over their performances and rights. The need for companies to streamline production processes at the expense of individual rights. 4
Union involvement and rights protection Unions like SAG-AFTRA are stepping in to negotiate digital simulation rights for actors. Shift from individual rights to collective bargaining for voice simulation rights. Stronger protection measures for voice actors may be established through union negotiations. The need to adapt to technological changes while safeguarding artists’ rights. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Voice Replacement by AI The threat of AI-generated synthetic voices replacing human voice actors, leading to job losses in the industry. 5
Lack of Consent and Compensation Voice actors signing contracts that permit the use of their voices for AI synthesis without additional compensation or consent. 4
Erosion of Artistic Integrity The potential diminishing of the artistic quality and emotional depth associated with human performances due to reliance on AI-generated voices. 5
Ambiguous Contract Clauses Confusing language in contracts that may lead voice actors to unknowingly surrender their rights for AI voice synthesis. 4
Exploitation of Non-Union Voice Actors Non-union actors may be more susceptible to exploitative practices regarding voice replication without fair compensation. 4
Industry Inequality Growing disparity in job security and remuneration between lower-class voice actors and higher-profile talent due to AI. 4
Privacy Violations The potential for voices to be synthesized or cloned without the person’s knowledge or consent, violating privacy rights. 5
Responses from Advocacy Organizations Increasing need for advocacy groups to safeguard voice actors’ rights and interests as AI technology evolves. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
AI Voice Licensing Voice actors are being offered opportunities to license their voices for AI-generated content, which raises concerns about fair compensation and usage rights. 4
Contractual Rights Erosion Voice actors are increasingly signing contracts that include clauses allowing the use of their voices for AI without adequate compensation or knowledge. 5
Synthetic Voice Adoption There is a growing acceptance of synthetic voices in various industries, including gaming and film, despite concerns from traditional voice actors. 4
Ongoing Consent in Performance Voice actors are advocating for continuous consent regarding the use of their performances, emphasizing the importance of their comfort and agency. 5
Industry Advocacy and Awareness Organizations like NAVA are raising awareness about the implications of AI in voice acting and advising members on contract language. 4
AI as a Threat to Employment The rise of AI-generated voices is perceived as a significant threat to job security within the voice acting industry, particularly for lower-tier actors. 5
AI Technology Utilization Some voice actors are exploring AI technology as a tool for creative expression, despite the associated risks and ethical concerns. 3

Technologies

name description relevancy
Voice-Generating Artificial Intelligence AI technology that synthesizes human voices for various applications, raising concerns about job displacement in the voice acting industry. 5
Synthetic Voice Cloning The ability to create accurate replicas of human voices using AI, potentially without consent, impacting privacy and intellectual property rights. 5
AI in Multimedia Production The integration of AI-generated voices in gaming, movies, and audiobooks, changing the landscape of content creation. 4
Automated Voice Performance Generation Technology that allows users to input text and have it read in a synthetic voice, enabling low-cost production of audio content. 4
AI-Driven Voice Licensing Emerging models where voice actors may license their voices for AI-generated content, creating new revenue streams and ethical dilemmas. 3

Issues

name description relevancy
AI Voice Synthesis Rights Voice actors face pressure to sign away rights to their voices for AI synthesis, risking their livelihoods without fair compensation. 5
Employment Displacement in Voice Acting The rise of AI-generated voices may threaten job security for voice actors, particularly in lower-income segments of the industry. 5
Lack of Informed Consent Voice actors may unknowingly agree to contracts that allow the use of their voices for AI without ongoing consent or compensation. 4
Ethical Concerns in AI Usage The ethical implications of using AI to replicate human voices, especially in sensitive contexts, raise significant concerns. 4
Contractual Exploitation Ambiguous contract language can lead to exploitation of voice actors, allowing companies to use their likeness without fair terms. 5
Impact on Artistic Integrity AI-generated performances are seen as lacking the depth and authenticity of human voice acting, affecting the craft’s value. 4
Potential for Abuse of AI Technology AI voice synthesis technology could be used to create deepfakes or impersonate individuals without consent. 5
Industry Adaptation to AI The voice acting industry must adapt to the presence of AI, balancing innovation with protection of artists’ rights. 5