Veteran Voice Actor Speaks Out Against AI Voice Cloning
Megumi Ogata, a renowned Japanese voice actor, has expressed her deep concerns about AI voice cloning in a recent interview with TBS News Dig. Ogata, known for her iconic roles in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Danganronpa, and Persona, has joined the growing list of voice actors speaking out against the use of AI-generated voices without consent.
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AI voice cloning has become increasingly prevalent on video platforms like TikTok, where users can easily create and share AI-generated content featuring voice actors’ voices. Ogata, however, finds this trend to be ‘heartbreaking’ and has called for the Japanese government to establish a clear policy on the use of AI-generated voices.
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‘My voice is a part of my identity,’ Ogata emphasized. ‘I really don’t understand why somebody would want to make me say things that I don’t want to say as they please and then sell it as my own voice. It’s heartbreaking.’
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Ogata’s concerns echo those of other voice actors, including Wes Johnson and Jennifer Hale, who have spoken out against the use of AI-generated voices without consent. The issue has sparked a heated debate in the gaming and entertainment industries, with some arguing that AI voice cloning is a necessary step towards automating creative roles, while others see it as a threat to the livelihoods of voice actors.
Interestingly, Ogata and other voice actors have singled out modders and content creators as a major concern. While some may argue that AI voice cloning is a creative freedom issue, Ogata and others see it as a matter of intellectual property and consent. ‘Why can’t Japan, which calls itself a content superpower, establish rules for content use or tell the world, ‘this is our policy,’ or ‘this is a problem for us?’’ Ogata asked.
The Japanese government is currently considering a legal framework similar to likeness rights to address the issue of AI voice cloning. While the debate continues, Ogata’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the human impact of AI-generated voices and the importance of establishing clear guidelines for their use.
As the gaming and entertainment industries continue to grapple with the implications of AI voice cloning, Ogata’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of AI-generated voices.
In related news, other voice actors have spoken out against AI voice cloning, including frequent Bethesda collaborator Wes Johnson, who tweeted that ‘anyone trying to create a mod using an actor’s voice via AI *without consent* knows they are wrong.’ Veteran videogame actor Jennifer Hale has also been vocal about studios taking responsibility for their use of AI, while at the 2024 BAFTAs, multiple members of Baldur’s Gate 3’s cast tore into AI voice cloning.
It remains to be seen how the Japanese government will address the issue of AI voice cloning, but Ogata’s comments serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the rights and livelihoods of voice actors in the face of emerging technologies.
