A bill that would outlaw unlicensed artificial intelligence (AI)–powered recreations of people’s voices and images has been presented by a bipartisan group of US senators. Together with Republican Senators Marsha Blackburn and Thom Tillis, Democratic Senators Chris Coons and Amy Klobuchar presented the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act. According to the law, platforms that knowingly host unauthorised AI copycats as well as businesses or individuals that build them are both subject to liability for damages. The first offense would result in a $5,000 fine.
The measure permits certain First Amendment-protected uses of unauthorized AI mimics, such as those for journalism, documentaries, or “comment, criticism, scholarship, satire, or parody.” The controversial bill was released at a time when hundreds of songs have been uploaded to streaming services like YouTube and SoundCloud that were produced with the use of AI algorithms that mimic musicians. Hollywood actor strikes and talks over AI-generated likenesses have also proven contentious, with the Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union supporting the idea.
