Japanese actors demand rules to combat unauthorized AI-generated voices

A group of voice actors working in Japan released a video calling for rules on regulating the use of generative artificial intelligence to create audio and visual content imitating their voices without permission.

Popular voice actors Yamadera Koichi, Kaji Yuki and 24 others have launched a campaign to advocate for establishing guidelines for AI-generated content.

According to the Japanese Actors Union, which represents many voice actors, there have been confirmed cases in which such content was created without permission using AI and then posted online or sold. For example, simulated voices of popular animation characters have been created to sing songs not included in the original animation.

The campaign video released Monday featured six voice actors. One of them, Yamadera, said the commercial use of such synthesized voices is unacceptable and even sharing them online is problematic.

The group plans to regularly release campaign videos on social media and other platforms.

Another group member, Kanai Mika, said she was saddened to see someone who looked like her speaking and singing without her permission. She added that she hopes rules will be established to allow coexistence with AI, establishing clear boundaries between what is acceptable and what is not.