Tennessee Leads the Tune: Safeguarding Artists Against AI Replication

Tennessee Governor, Bill Lee, recently approved legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights of songwriters, performers, and other professionals in the music industry against potential threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI).

The signing of the bill marks a significant milestone for Tennessee, renowned for its rich musical heritage, as it becomes the pioneering state in the U.S. to implement such protective measures. The legislation, set to take effect on July 1st, seeks to prevent AI tools from replicating an artist’s voice without their explicit consent.

Governor Lee emphasized the importance of recognizing artists’ intellectual property and unique talents, asserting that these qualities are inherently human and cannot be replicated by artificial means. The enactment of this law underscores Tennessee’s commitment to upholding the rights of individuals in the creative sphere.

Dubbed the “Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act” or the “Elvis Act,” the statute extends the concept of property rights to include vocal likeness, alongside names, photographs, and likenesses. However, the effectiveness of the legislation in safeguarding artists’ works from unauthorized replication by AI remains to be seen.

Despite unanimous support from the music industry and bipartisan approval within the Tennessee statehouse, there are uncertainties regarding the law’s practical implications. Nonetheless, many musicians in Tennessee express urgency in addressing the growing threats posed by AI, which have already begun to impact their livelihoods.

The bill-signing event, hosted by Governor Lee, took place at Nashville’s iconic Robert’s Western World, symbolizing the state’s commitment to preserving its musical legacy. By naming the statute after Elvis Presley, Tennessee not only pays homage to one of its most legendary figures but also acknowledges the importance of protecting the rights of all public figures, living or deceased.

The legislative action builds upon the foundation laid by the Personal Rights Protection Act of 1984, which recognized personality rights as property rights, extending beyond an individual’s death. Now, with vocal likeness added to the list of protected attributes, Tennessee reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding the artistic integrity and rights of its creative community.