ELVIS Act: Protecting Musicians from AI Abuse in Tennessee

The ELVIS Act, a proposed legislation aimed at safeguarding musicians from non-consensual utilization of their voice, appearance, and persona through generative AI, has received unanimous backing from the Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Tennessee House passes ELVIS Act to safeguard musicians from AI copyright infringement

The Tennessee House Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee recently made a bold move to protect musicians against the potential abuse of artificial intelligence (AI). They passed a new bill called the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act (HB 2091), but don’t worry, it’s commonly referred to as ELVIS. 🎸🕺

Introduced by Governor Bill Lee in January 2024, ELVIS aims to address the unethical use of AI, specifically targeting the unauthorized use of artists’ voice, image, and likeness. This bill isn’t just for the benefit of Nashville’s vibrant music community, but for all residents of the state of Tennessee. 🌟

Nashville, the capital city of Tennessee, is a powerhouse in the music industry, ranking among the top three locations for musical activity in the United States. According to data from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the music industry in Nashville contributes a whopping $5.5 billion to the local economy. The entire Nashville area benefits from a total output of $9.7 billion. That’s a whole lot of cash in the country music capital! 💰🎵

With such significant economic impact, it’s no wonder that the ELVIS Act generated major interest among the local population. During the subcommittee meeting, influential figures like singer and actress Chrissy Metz, Nashville Songwriter Association board member Jamie Moore, and Jessie Richard, the senior vice president for public policy of the RIAA, shared their testimonies. 🗣️

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Jamie Moore, who is both a talented songwriter and a board member of the Nashville Songwriter Association, expressed concerns about the rapid advancement of AI technology. He emphasized that this “light speed” development has the potential to “end the business of music as we know it.” Imagine a machine generating songs that artists never authorized, resulting in fake versions being released without permission or payment. That’s just not right, and we need to protect against it. 🎵🚫🤖

Moore further highlighted the cultural and economic significance of music, stating that it is an integral part of the local fabric. He proudly noted that Tennessee is at the forefront of safeguarding creators and sending a clear message to the world that human creativity must be guarded against those who seek to exploit it. The ELVIS Act serves to modernize Tennessee law by specifically including the word “voice,” making it abundantly clear that unauthorized AI-generated fake recordings are subject to legal action in the state. 🎶🔒⚖️

Jessie Richard from the RIAA echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the ELVIS Act applies to everyone. All Tennesseans, regardless of their artistic pursuits, deserve to have their voices and likenesses protected. This bill is a crucial step forward in ensuring just that. 🙌

The subcommittee’s unanimous approval of the ELVIS Act comes at a time when support is growing for artist protections in AI-related contexts. The No AI Fraud Act, a federal bill that addresses similar concerns, recently gained support from nearly 300 creatives, including Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy. It seems that the fight against AI abuse in the music industry is gaining momentum. 🎵🤝🤖

Q&A: What Musicians and AI Enthusiasts Need to Know

Q: How will the ELVIS Act protect musicians against AI abuse? A: The ELVIS Act specifically targets unauthorized use of artists’ voice, image, and likeness. It ensures that AI-generated fake recordings are subject to legal action in the state of Tennessee, safeguarding musicians from potential exploitation.

Q: Who does the ELVIS Act apply to? A: The ELVIS Act applies to all residents of the state of Tennessee. It’s not just limited to musicians; it offers protection to anyone whose voice and likeness might be at risk of unauthorized use.

Q: How significant is the music industry in Nashville? A: The music industry in Nashville is a major economic driver, contributing $5.5 billion to the local economy. The entire Nashville area benefits from a total output of $9.7 billion. Music truly makes the city sing!

Q: What other initiatives are there to protect artists from AI fraud? A: Alongside the ELVIS Act, there’s growing support for the No AI Fraud Act at the federal level. This bill addresses similar concerns regarding artist protections in the context of AI.

The Future of AI and Music

While the ELVIS Act is a significant step forward in protecting musicians, the conversation around AI and its impact on music is far from over. As generative AI technology continues to advance at lightning speed, it’s crucial to strike a balance between innovation and ethical considerations.

The ELVIS Act sets a precedent, showing that government intervention can play a crucial role in ensuring fair practices and protecting the rights of artists. As technology continues to evolve, it will be essential for lawmakers, industry professionals, and AI enthusiasts to collaborate and find solutions that allow for creativity without compromising the integrity of art.

The intersection of AI and music holds immense potential, from generating new soundscapes to enhancing the creative process. By fostering an environment that respects artists and their work, we can embrace the benefits that AI brings to the table while ensuring a bright future for the music industry.

🎶🔒⚖️

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References:

1. Tennessee House. House Majority Leader William Lamberth speaks before the subcommittee on Feb. 13.
2. Tennessee House. Singer and actress Chrissy Metz and Nashville Songwriter Association board member and songwriter Jamie Moore testifying before the subcommittee on Feb. 13.
3. Blocking.net. Polygon Labs and Warner Music Group push music industry Web3 evolution.
4. Blocking.net. ChatGPT trigger happy with nukes, SEGA’s 80s AI, TAO up 90%: AI Eye.

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What are your thoughts on the ELVIS Act? Do you believe it will effectively curb AI abuse in the music industry? Share your opinions below and let’s keep the conversation going! 🗣️💬

If you enjoyed this article, spread the word by sharing it on your favorite social media platforms. Together, we can ensure that artists’ voices are protected from the clutches of artificial intelligence. 🎤✊

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