NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a significant move to protect the rights of artists, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, along with legislative leaders and representatives from the music industry, has officially signed the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act into law. This pioneering legislation aims to update Tennessee’s Protection of Personal Rights law by extending its protections to include the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in exploiting songwriters, performers, and music professionals’ voices.
The ELVIS Act addresses the growing concern over new, highly personalized generative AI technologies that can clone human voices and create unauthorized, fake works imitating real individuals. This legal update is crucial for protecting artists and musicians at all levels from exploitation and preserving the integrity of their identities and creative expressions.
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Tennessee, a state celebrated for its rich musical heritage and contribution to the arts, is home to over 61,617 music-related jobs, generates $5.8 billion for the local GDP, and boasts more than 4,500 music venues. The enactment of the ELVIS Act underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding the future of its vibrant music industry and the artists who are an integral part of its identity.
Governor Bill Lee expressed gratitude towards the General Assembly for their partnership in addressing the challenges posed by AI to the music industry. He emphasized the importance of legal protection for Tennessee’s artists and songwriters in the face of evolving technology landscapes.
The legislation has garnered support from a wide range of industry groups, including the Recording Industry of America (RIAA), Academy of Country Music, and many others. They collectively applaud the state’s leadership in protecting artists from unauthorized AI-generated synthetic media and voice clones.
Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson and House Majority Leader William Lamberth highlighted Tennessee’s leadership in modernizing laws to confront new technological challenges, ensuring the protection of artists’ unique voices and creative content. The ELVIS Act represents a critical step in maintaining public trust and securing the future livelihood of the music industry.
For further information and photos from the signing ceremony, click here.
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