Tennessee has introduced groundbreaking legislation aimed at safeguarding artists from AI’s potential to infringe on their intellectual property, setting a precedent for artist protection in the digital age.
Tennessee has become the first state in the United States to enact legislation aimed at protecting artists, including musicians, from the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI). Governor Bill Lee signed the legislation, highlighting the initiative’s intent to preserve the intellectual property of artists from being replicated without consent by AI technologies. This legislative step underscores Tennessee’s commitment to safeguarding the creative rights of its artists, reflecting its deep-rooted musical heritage.
The legislation, known as the Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act or “ELVIS Act,” uniquely extends property rights to include an artist’s vocal likeness. This means that individuals can now legally challenge any unauthorized use of their voice or likeness, particularly when replicated by AI. The move has been met with widespread support within the music industry, with hopes that it will offer significant protection against the unauthorized use of artists’ work by AI.
Country music star Luke Bryan is among the prominent figures who have voiced concerns about the challenges and threats AI poses to artists, emphasizing the relevance and necessity of such protective measures. The bipartisan backing of the bill, gaining unanimous approval in the statehouse, showcases the shared commitment across political lines to address the evolving challenges that AI technology presents to the music industry.
With Tennessee setting a precedent through the ELVIS Act, it opens the path for other states to consider similar protective measures for artists against AI’s encroachment. The legislation represents a critical milestone in the effort to secure artists’ rights in the digital age, ensuring their unique talents and creations are shielded from unauthorized AI replication.
