A group of esteemed anime voice actors has launched a campaign opposing the unauthorised use of their voices by generative AI technologies. The initiative, titled "No More Unauthorized Generative AI" (known in Japanese as "No More Mudan Seisei AI"), features prominent figures from the anime industry, including Koichi Yamadera, Romi Park, and Ryusei Nakao, known respectively for their work as Spike Spiegel in "Cowboy Bebop," Edward Elric in "Fullmetal Alchemist," and Frieza in "Dragon Ball."
This collective venture was announced through a video posted on a dedicated YouTube channel, where Nakao delivered the opening statement expressing the group's concerns. He highlighted the personal and professional impact of these unauthorised reproductions, stating, "Our voices are our livelihoods. They’re our lives. Please listen to how it makes us, as voice actors, feel when our voices are used without permission for generative AI."
The initiative follows recent developments in the industry, especially the announcement by Aoni Production, a major talent agency in Japan representing anime voice actors, of a collaboration with AI company CoeFont. This partnership aims to create AI-generated voice versions of several actors, including Masako Nozawa, the iconic voice of Goku from "Dragon Ball," for certain non-acting uses. However, the stance taken by "No More Unauthorized Generative AI" specifically targets the unauthorised and uncompensated use of voice actors' work, distinguishing this from authorised uses.
The collective statement issued by the group further emphasised the integral role that voices play in the identity and profession of voice actors. It noted the troubling trend of having unapproved recordings and adaptations of their voices appearing online, sometimes even being sold. While they acknowledged the potential benefits of new technologies, the group advocates for a dialogue on the ethical use of AI in cultural contexts, aspiring to protect the creative environment through peaceful discussions involving experts.
A total of 26 voice performers are currently part of the initiative. These include Michihiro Ikemizu, Yoji Ueda, Yuko Kaida, and many others, alongside the aforementioned Yamadera, Park, and Nakao. Each member is set to release individual videos articulating their personal experiences and viewpoints on the issue of generative AI and its impact on their careers.
The rise of AI in the creative industry has prompted various discussions about intellectual property rights and fair compensation, especially as technology enables the replication of human elements such as voice. This initiative represents a significant movement within the anime industry, highlighting the intersection of innovation and the rights of artists.
Source: Noah Wire Services