Background on the Issue
Voice actors and voiceover artists in Mexico have raised concerns about the unauthorized use of their voices by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including voice cloning without consent. This issue gained attention following a protest at the Monument to the Revolution, organized by the National Association of Actors (ANDA) and the Mexican Association of Commercial Announcers (AMELOC).
President Sheinbaum’s Response
During her morning press conference at the National Palace, President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the legitimacy of the actors’ demands and pledged to address their concerns by seeking a legal framework to protect their work from AI misuse.
- Recognition of the Issue: Sheinbaum acknowledged that voice cloning, even from deceased individuals, is a serious matter and that the actors’ concerns are valid.
- Legal Protection Measures: The president announced that the Legal Advisory Office and the Ministry of Culture would facilitate discussions with voice actors, announcers, and entertainment professionals to establish protective mechanisms against unauthorized use of their voices by AI technologies.
- Biometric Data Consideration: Although Sheinbaum did not rule out the possibility of recognizing voice as a biometric data type, she emphasized that the immediate focus should be on ensuring labor and property protection for the acting community.
Context and Impact
The protest was organized by ANDA and AMELOC under the slogan “AI Does Not Replace,” with hundreds of interpreters, technicians, musicians, and students demanding regulation of AI usage in the artistic field.
During the rally, participants denounced instances where their voices were used commercially without permission, including the unauthorized replication of deceased individuals’ voices. They view this as a severe infringement on their labor and human rights.
Beyond demanding a ban on unauthorized voice cloning, protesters warned about the risks to emerging artists who might face a precarious market without established protective protocols.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the main parties involved? The National Association of Actors (ANDA) and the Mexican Association of Commercial Announcers (AMELOC) are the primary organizations advocating for voice actors’ rights.
- What specific concerns do the voice actors have? They are worried about unauthorized use of their voices by AI technologies, including voice cloning without consent, which they consider a violation of labor and human rights.
- What actions has President Sheinbaum taken in response? Sheinbaum acknowledged the actors’ concerns and committed to working with relevant government offices to establish a legal framework for protecting their work from AI misuse.
