Voice actors from around the world are joining forces to protest the unregulated use of artificial intelligence (AI) in generating and cloning human voices. They believe that this emerging technology poses a significant threat to their livelihoods and are campaigning under the slogan “Don’t steal our voices.” The United Voice Artists coalition, representing over 20 voice acting guilds, associations, and unions from Europe, the United States, and Latin America, aims to safeguard the interests of faceless voiceover artists who fear their voices may be replaced or cloned without consent.
A Threat to an Artistic Heritage:
The United Voice Artists coalition expresses concerns that the unregulated and indiscriminate use of AI could jeopardize the rich artistic heritage of voice acting, which machines cannot replicate. The group, which includes organizations like the US National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) and Latin America’s Organization of United Voices, emphasizes that their voices are their livelihoods, and without control over their usage, sustaining a living becomes challenging.
The Rise of AI and its Impact on Voice Actors:
Voice actors have already been grappling with the competition posed by text-to-speech technology that converts written words into synthetic voice. Now, with the advent of AI and machine learning, software can compare voice samples to generate clones by identifying patterns in millions of existing voices. This technology, coupled with platforms offering human-sounding text-to-speech services at a fraction of the cost, has intensified concerns among voice actors.
The Battle Against Exploitation and Piracy:
Voice actors suspect that companies may be using their voices to build extensive archives, leading to questions about how their voices are being exploited. They seek tools to track and protect their voices from sophisticated piracy techniques. Additionally, voice actors advocate for legislation that prevents the use of their voice recordings to develop AI without their consent. They also propose the establishment of quotas for human voiceovers to ensure fair representation in the industry.
Balancing Employment Opportunities and Fair Compensation:
While the future could witness the intonation of dubbing artists accompanying famous actors’ voices in multiple languages, voice actors emphasize the importance of charging fair prices for their services. They acknowledge that such developments could generate employment and benefit the public, but it should not come at the expense of their livelihoods. Voice artists, like Maclovia Gonzalez, express a willingness to engage with AI companies but demand transparency regarding the usage of their content.
Read More: Exciting News: YouTube Introduces Shopping Channel in South Korea
The Dilemma for Companies:
Companies operating in the voice acting industry, such as Art Dubbing, find themselves at a crossroads. They face the dilemma of either adapting to the rise of synthetic voices or potentially disappearing from the market. Anuar Lopez de la Pena, the founder of Art Dubbing, highlights the challenge of finding a balance between embracing AI technology and protecting the interests of voice actors.
The Role of Human Touch and Soul in Voice Acting:
Despite the advancements in AI technology, many voice actors remain skeptical about the complete replacement of human performers. Mario Filio, a renowned Mexican artist, believes that machines lack the essence of a human soul, making them incapable of fully replicating the artistry and emotional depth that voice actors bring to their performances.
The United Voice Artists coalition represents the growing concerns of voice actors worldwide who fear the unregulated use of AI technology in voice cloning and generation. They advocate for legislation to protect their voices and demand transparency and fair compensation in the evolving landscape of AI-driven voice acting. While AI may offer efficiency and cost advantages, the human touch and artistic heritage provided by voice actors remain invaluable, ensuring a continued place for their skills in the industry.
