In a resounding call for nationwide protective measures, Dennis Kooker, President of Global Digital Business at Sony Music, has urged congress for a comprehensive US-wide publicity right. This initiative aims to shield artists from the unauthorised replication of their vocal identities by AI. Kooker disclosed that Sony Music has issued nearly 10,000 takedown notices in its relentless pursuit to eradicate unapproved voice clones, underscoring the industry’s battle against the proliferation of AI-generated replicas.
The music magnate lamented the exploitation of legal loopholes by digital platforms, emphasizing the sluggish response to takedown notices as a pressing concern. Addressing US senators, Kooker vehemently dismissed the notion of AI training falling under the umbrella of ‘fair use’ within copyright law, countering prevailing arguments from AI companies. He implores Congress to unequivocally assert that reproducing music for AI model training does not qualify as fair use.
Kooker’s assertions unfolded during a session initiated by US Congress members exploring the profound impact of AI on copyright, held as part of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s AI Insight Forum. While acknowledging the positive strides within the realm of generative AI, Kooker raised alarm over the surge in “deepfakes and unauthorised voice clones” inundating online platforms, posing a tangible threat to artists’ livelihoods.
Drawing attention to the pivotal role an artist’s voice plays in their livelihood, Kooker contends that deepfakes intentionally exploit an artist’s talent and reputation, diverting revenue streams away from legitimate creators. The music industry broadly contends that training AI models with an artist’s music constitutes copyright exploitation, necessitating permission from the copyright owner.
In the labyrinth of legal considerations, Kooker highlights the ambiguity surrounding state-level publicity rights in the United States, particularly in the context of deepfakes and voice clones. Citing the inconsistency and insufficiency of existing state ‘right of publicity’ laws, Kooker urges the establishment of a clear and unified right spanning all fifty states. He commends the recent NO FAKES Act proposals presented by four US senators as a crucial initial stride towards fortifying legal protections against unauthorized use of artists’ voices.