During his recent State of the Union address, President Biden highlighted a growing concern in the entertainment and tech sectors by advocating for a ban on AI voice impersonations. This move underscores the increasing importance of regulating artificial intelligence technologies to protect individuals' privacy and prevent misuse.
President Biden's call for a ban on AI voice impersonations is part of a broader agenda that includes bipartisan initiatives such as strengthening penalties for fentanyl trafficking and enacting privacy legislation to safeguard children online. The President emphasized the need to leverage AI for security purposes while also addressing potential risks associated with its misuse.
While President Biden did not provide specific details on the proposed regulations surrounding AI voice impersonations, the issue has gained attention in recent years. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) raised concerns about AI usage during negotiations with major studios, leading to agreements on consent and compensation requirements for using AI to replicate actors' voices and likenesses.
However, the agreements did not prohibit studios from developing AI systems to create entirely synthetic performers without resembling real individuals. President Biden's mention of banning AI voice impersonations suggests a growing recognition of the need to establish clear guidelines for AI technologies to protect against potential abuses.
During the State of the Union address, interruptions from some members of Congress, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, added a moment of discord to the proceedings. Greene's actions, including wearing a 'Make America Great Again' hat and heckling during the speech, drew attention away from the President's agenda.
Overall, President Biden's focus on regulating AI voice impersonations reflects a broader effort to address emerging challenges in technology and entertainment, signaling a commitment to safeguarding privacy and security in an increasingly digital world.