TOKYO – Three Japanese entertainment industry groups are calling for the appropriate use of generative artificial intelligence in audio, expressing concerns about the widespread availability online of video and audio created by using such technologies to train performers’ voices without permission.

The three groups (Japan Actors Guild, Japan Association of Entertainment Management Entrepreneurs, and Japan Voice Actors Association, or JSYCC) held a joint press conference in Tokyo on November 13 and proposed “exploring ways to appropriately coexist with artificial intelligence.” We preserve the culture of voice-over.” The groups have been discussing how to govern the use of generative AI technology in voice production since November 2023.

In their joint statement, the groups demanded that the voices produced by artificial intelligence should not be used in animations or dubbing of foreign films, and that permission should be obtained from the artists when productive artificial intelligence is trained on their own voices or when the voices produced by artificial intelligence are used according to their performances. They also requested that when generative AI-generated audio is used, it be clearly stated that the voices do not belong to actual artists.

The statement also touched upon the necessity of measures, including the creation of relevant laws. Under current Copyright Law, permission from rights holders is generally not required when training AI on copyrighted works during technological development stages. However, three organizations strongly advocated creating rules that require permission from rights holders.

In their statement, the groups claim that they are not calling for “careless regulation” of new technologies such as generative artificial intelligence, but instead expressing concerns that “unregulated misuse of new technology could stunt the growth of artists and stifle the sentiment of general audiences.” They argue that “artificial intelligence should remain a ‘support tool’ for humans.”

Michihiro Ikemizu, vice president of the Japan Actors Association, expressed concern at the press conference, saying: “We fear that generative AI may harm creators and prevent the transfer of the skills they have developed.” The groups say they plan to announce the contents of the statement to audio production companies.

Voice actor Mika Kanai, who serves as the director of the Japan Actors Guild, said at the press conference: “We are not against artificial intelligence as a whole, but what we really want to say is: ‘Please do not use our voice without permission. We have permission.”

(Japanese original: Ryutaro Nishimoto, Cultural News Department)