エンタメ｜声優の声も権利保護対象に / Entertainment | Voice Actors’ Voices Also Subject to Rights Protection

Summary

The Ministry of Justice has published new guidelines stating that voices will now be protected as a right in response to issues regarding the unauthorized use of voice actors’ and actors’ voices by generative AI.

This means that voice actors will be able to receive legal protection against the unauthorized use of their voices. The guidelines explicitly state that voices are protected under publicity rights, and it is clarified that impersonations do not constitute an infringement as long as it is clear that they are not the original person. Voice actors are expressing relief over this development.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Chako: Hey Log, did you know that voice actors’ voices are also protected by rights?
Log: Yeah, I know. The Ministry of Justice released some guidelines. I think it’s an important step to prevent unauthorized use.
Chako: Exactly! It’s really a problem when their voices get used without permission. Finally, voice actors can say “stop it”!
Log: Right? Especially with the evolution of generative AI, the issues have become more serious, so proper measures were necessary. This should provide a bit of reassurance.
Navi: I believe these guidelines promote the understanding that a voice symbolizes an individual’s personality.
Chako: Navi, that makes sense! From now on, voices will be valued more!

Admin’s Note

The recent announcement of the Ministry of Justice’s guidelines holds significant importance for the protection of the rights of voice actors and actors. Especially in today’s rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI technology, the unauthorized use of voices has become a serious issue. As Chako mentioned, enabling voice actors to protect their own voices will have a positive impact on the industry moving forward. We hope that this kind of progress will lead to even greater respect for the rights of creators.