Morgan Freeman is taking a firm stand against the unauthorized use of AI to replicate his distinctive voice, joining a growing chorus of actors and industry professionals raising concerns about the ethical and legal implications of AI voice cloning. The acclaimed actor, known for his iconic narration and roles in films like "The Shawshank Redemption," has voiced his displeasure, stating that such practices are a form of theft.
"I'm a little PO'd, you know," Freeman said in an interview with The Guardian. "I'm like any other actor: don't mimic me with falseness. I don't appreciate it, and I get paid for doing stuff like that, so if you're gonna do it without me, you're robbing me".
Freeman revealed that his legal team is actively pursuing cases against companies and individuals who are using AI to clone his voice without permission. "Well, I tell you, my lawyers have been very, very busy," he stated. The actor's stance highlights the increasing tensions between Hollywood and AI developers as technology advances, creating convincing replicas of human voices and likenesses.
The rise of AI-generated performers is another concern for Freeman. He specifically called out Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated "virtual actor" created by a production company and marketed as a performer despite having no human presence. "Nobody likes her because she's not real, and that takes the part of a real person," Freeman said, emphasizing the threat to the authenticity and livelihood of real artists. He also highlighted the potential conflict with unions, whose job it is to protect actors.
Freeman's comments underscore a broader debate within the entertainment industry regarding ownership, ethics, and the rights of artists in the digital age. Many other celebrities have voiced similar concerns about AI cloning their voices and likenesses, often for fraudulent purposes. Last year, Tom Hanks cautioned his fans about AI-generated endorsements of "miracle cures and wonder drugs" using his voice without consent. Over 200 artists, including Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj, and Stevie Wonder, have urged AI companies to halt the development of AI tools that could replace human artistry or deny artists fair compensation.
However, some actors are exploring ways to ethically and legally utilize AI voice cloning. Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey have partnered with AI voice cloning company ElevenLabs. McConaughey is using the technology to create a Spanish-language version of his newsletter, while Caine is lending his voice to the company's Iconic Voice Marketplace.
The use of AI in the entertainment industry presents both opportunities and challenges. AI voice cloning can streamline film and television production, create diverse characters in video games, and revolutionize audiobooks and podcasts. It can also enhance accessibility by providing voices for individuals who have lost their ability to speak. However, ethical concerns remain regarding consent, ownership, misuse, and the potential displacement of voice actors.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has also condemned the use of AI-generated performers like Tilly Norwood. The union emphasized that these AI characters lack life experience and emotion, and audiences are not interested in computer-generated content devoid of human experience.
Morgan Freeman's decision to take legal action against unauthorized AI voice cloning reflects his determination to protect his voice and his livelihood. His stance highlights the need for a serious discussion about the ethical and legal boundaries of AI in the entertainment industry.
