Japan Actors Union Releases Generative AI Voice Guidelines as Masako Nozawa Calls Unauthorized Use Theft

The Japan Actors Union presented the first version of its generative AI guidelines at a Thursday press conference, covering AI recordings that replicate actors' voices, including unauthorized voice synthesis, deep learning and machine learning. The rules require consent at every step, permission before using a voice in AI training, and pay or royalties to actors since authorized AI-generated voice counts as a performance. Masako Nozawa, known for voicing Goku in Dragon Ball, said using her voice without permission makes her angry and is no different than theft, and that the AI version she heard lacked heart. The union represents roughly 2600 voice actors and actors.