The ELVIS Act: Protecting Artists and Citizens from Deepfake Abuse

The Music Industry Comes Together in Support of the ELVIS Act, a New Tennessee Law Combating AI Misuse, Promising to Revolutionize the Lives of Artists and Citizens, Says the Recording Academy.

The music industry is fighting AI deepfakes using the ELVIS Act state by state.

🎙️ Introduction

The Tennessee Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and the House Commerce Committee recently passed the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act. This legislation aims to protect a person’s voice, image, and likeness from unethical and irresponsible uses of artificial intelligence (AI). The bill received unanimous bipartisan support and is a significant step forward in the fight against deepfakes and their potential consequences.

🗺️ Tennessee: More than Just Music City

Tennessee is well-known for its thriving music industry, earning it the nickname “Music City USA.” Given the state’s strong ties to music, it’s no surprise that the ELVIS Act gained widespread support shortly after being introduced by Governor Bill Lee in January. Testimonies were given during committee hearings by influential figures in the music community, including popular contemporary Christian artist-songwriters Natalie Grant and Matt Maher, as well as David Hodges, the hit songwriter and co-founder of Evanescence.

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During his testimony, Maher emphasized the significance of voice and image in defining artists’ individuality, stating that unauthorized use of these elements is a personal violation. Todd Dupler, the chief advocacy and public policy officer of the Recording Academy, the organization behind the yearly Grammy music awards, also attended the hearing to show their support for the ELVIS Act.

🎤 The Right to Deepfake (or Not)

AI has sparked significant controversy within the music industry. While some artists, like electronic music artist Grimes, have embraced and advocated for AI technology, others have expressed concerns about violations of intellectual property and the rise of deepfake content. According to Dupler, the issue of AI-generated fakes is the easiest to understand within the broader spectrum of AI-related problems.

Many U.S. states have “right of publicity” laws in place to safeguard artists from unauthorized use of their image or name for promotional purposes. However, these laws were established before the digital age and do not explicitly cover digital replicas or the use of AI. Dupler believes it’s essential to update these laws for the digital era, and Tennessee is an excellent starting point due to its strong right of publicity law, which has been used to protect the legacy and name of Elvis Presley.

🔒 Bipartisan Action for AI Regulation

The ELVIS Act has brought together the music industry and policymakers across the political spectrum. Dupler notes that the music community is diverse, making alignment challenging. However, when common ground is found, substantial progress can be made. He cites two recent examples: the Music Modernization Act of 2018, which modernized music licensing laws after two decades, and the Save our Stages Act in 2020, which provided significant aid to the arts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dupler believes that similar collaboration can be achieved in the context of AI regulation, specifically regarding the protection of voice, image, and likeness. He also highlights that bipartisan agreement on an issue is rare, indicating that the importance of addressing AI’s ethical implications is recognized across different political viewpoints.

🌐 Beyond Celebrities: Protecting Every Citizen

Deepfakes pose serious risks not only to public figures but to every citizen. Dupler emphasizes that the violation of personal voice and image is deeply unsettling when technology can appropriate them falsely. He mentions artist Lainey Wilson, who testified before Congress about her likeness being used to promote weight loss gummies without her consent. This deceptive use of her image has the potential to mislead and distort the perception of her young fans.

Despite these concerns, Dupler remains optimistic about the potential of AI to democratize music creation and introduce new creative ideas. However, he also acknowledges the need for swift regulation before the technology advances beyond our ability to implement safeguards.

💡 Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges

AI regulation is a pressing issue that demands attention and action. While it’s challenging to predict the timeline for legislation, the urgency to address this matter is undeniable. The ELVIS Act sets a precedent for protecting artists and citizens, establishing crucial guardrails to ensure the responsible use of AI.

By staying proactive and continuously adapting regulations, it’s possible to strike a balance between harnessing AI’s potential and safeguarding against its misuse. The Recording Academy, along with its partners in the music industry, remains committed to advocating for artists’ rights and protecting creative expression in the digital age.

📚 References:

1. Blockchain Technology and Digital Assets: Exploring the Future
2. Understanding the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Music Industry
3. The Power of Deepfake Technology: Ethics and Implications
4. Redefining Intellectual Property Rights in the Age of AI
5. The ELVIS Act: A Milestone in AI Regulation

📢 Share Your Thoughts

What are your thoughts on the ELVIS Act and its potential impact on AI regulation? Do you believe the music industry can continue to find common ground and protect artists’ rights in the ever-evolving digital landscape? Share your views in the comments below and let’s start a conversation!

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