Tennessee pass ELVIS act which protects artist against AI deepfakes and voice clones

22 March 2024, 12:48 | Written by Tyler Damara Kelly

(News)

Yesterday afternoon (21 March) the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act was signed into law by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, in Nashville.

The ELVIS Act establishes strong protections for every person's unique voice and likeness against unauthorized artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes and voice clones. “Fittingly named after one of the world's most iconic voices, the ELVIS Act marks a history-defining moment – protecting us all from irresponsible and unethical AI. The Human Artistry Campaign applauds this strong, bipartisan effort to stop unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes and voice clones that steal essential parts of our individuality,” said Dr. Moiya McTier, Human Artistry Campaign Senior Advisor.

“The life's work and irreplaceable contributions of the creative community to our culture deserve safeguards that allow AI technology to be used responsibly without violating anyone's rights or appropriating their art.”

The #ELVISact is Law in TN!👏 Thank you @GovBillLee and the TN legislature for championing this landmark new law that will curb the destructive practice of AI deepfakes and voice clones. This is a model for how to protect the very essence of an artist’s craft. 📸: @human_artistry pic.twitter.com/c9abUoYl0H
— Artist Rights Alliance (@artistrightsnow) March 21, 2024

Five-time Entertainer of the Year and American Idol judge Luke Bryan addressed the crowd saying, “what an amazing precedent to set for the state of Tennessee. The leaders of this are showing artists who are moving here following their dreams that our state protects what we work so hard for, and I personally want to thank all of our legislators and people who made this bill happen. It's hard to wrap your head around what is going on with AI, but I know the ELVIS Act will help protect our voices.”

Other prominent members of the music community – many who have lent support from the beginning – were on hand to celebrate the ELVIS Act, including Natalie Grant; Bernie Herms; Matt Maher; Maggie Rose; Wendy Moten; Drew Baldridge; Harper Grace; Tennessee Entertainment Commission chair Gebre Waddell; Stax Music Academy/Stax Museum's Pat Mitchell Worley and Isaac Daniel; Sam Phillips Recording's Jerry Phillips; Tora Tora's Anthony Corder and Recording Academy Memphis Chapter Trustee Ken Shepherd.

For further information, please visit humanartistrycampaign.com.