In a move aimed at addressing the burgeoning use of generative AI in the entertainment industry, several prominent Japanese voice actors have come together to form a new advocacy group, No More Mudan Saisei AI (No More Unauthorized Generative AI). The collective officially announced its formation on October 15, 2023, with a mission to prevent the unauthorised replication and use of voices through AI technology.
The initiative was introduced with a preview video featuring Ryūsei Nakao, a respected figure in the voice acting community. Following this, the group released its first official video on October 21, featuring a panel of six distinguished voice actors discussing their perspectives on generative AI. These actors include Kōichi Yamadera, Chika Sakamoto, Mika Kanai, Toshihiko Seki, Kujira, and Nakao himself.
In this nearly six-minute video, the actors conveyed a range of thoughts and sentiments about the use of AI for replicating voices. Central to the discussion was the lack of legal frameworks surrounding the copyright protection of their voices, a concern highlighted by both Seki and Kujira. They articulated that their voices are not just a unique personal feature but a professional commodity, and the current absence of legal safeguards compromises the value and ownership of their work.
Nonetheless, the conversation illuminated differing perspectives among the actors. Kōichi Yamadera pointed out that while the technology can be entertaining and offer novel personal use by fans, problems emerge when AI-generated content using their voices is commercialised or disseminated online. Such actions blur the lines of ownership and might lead to a devaluation of professional voice acting.
Supporting this point, Ryūsei Nakao shared an anecdote about a fellow voice actor who had lost their voice, with their concluding lines for a project being skillfully recreated using AI. Nakao expressed a sense of wonder at the technological feat but simultaneously referenced a philosophical stance reflective of Takashi Yanase, the creator of the beloved character Anpanman: the importance of showing children 'the real thing'. This implies a belief in the authenticity and irreplaceable nature of human creativity and expression.
Through these discussions, the six actors exhibited a mixed set of feelings towards generative AI. While acknowledging the fun and creativity that such technology can foster in private or casual settings, they remain sceptical about the implications of its unrestricted commercial use. This wariness underscores a broader concern within the industry regarding the protection and value of artistic vocations in an era of rapid technological advancement.
Despite the vocal advocacy from the No More Mudan Saisei AI group, existing measures to legally safeguard voice actors and their intellectual properties remain minimal. As discussions surrounding AI ethics and intellectual property law continue to evolve, the voices of these artists add a critical perspective to the broader conversation.
Source: Noah Wire Services