Japan to protect the right to speak out over generative uses of AI

TOKYO, July 14 (Jiji Press) – Japan’s Ministry of Justice has compiled a draft report calling for protection of the voices of celebrities as well as their portraits regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence.

A draft report on civil liability for unauthorized use of public figures’ likenesses and voices was submitted to an expert committee on Monday. The ministry plans to release a final report as early as August after receiving expert opinions.

There are many unknowns about what constitutes illegal use of audio, as there have been no Japanese court decisions regarding related rights.

The ministry says it hopes the final report will serve as a reference for litigation and AI development.

The draft envisions a scenario in which, for example, generative AI could be used to create a misleading sound source that suggests a voice actor is reading obscene text, and then posted on social media for profit.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]