Tennessee becomes the first state to protect musicians and other artists against AI

Tennessee has made history by enacting the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act, or ELVIS Act, making it the first U.S. state to provide legal protections for musicians against unauthorized artificial intelligence impersonation. The new legislation, signed by Gov. Bill Lee at Nashville’s Robert’s Western World alongside country music stars Chris Janson and Luke Bryan, builds upon the state’s existing right of publicity law to now include specific safeguards against AI-generated voice mimicry without authorization. Effective July 1, the ELVIS Act prevents individuals from using AI to replicate an artist’s voice without consent.

Acknowledging Tennessee as a musical hub that has nurtured some of the industry’s biggest talents, such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, BB King, and Taylor Swift, Gov. Lee emphasized the crucial role of the state’s music sector, which sustains over 61,000 jobs and boasts 4,500 music venues. The legislation reflects Tennessee’s dedication to preserving its renowned artistic legacy while adapting to the evolving technological landscape.

Amid concerns raised by artists, songwriters, and producers regarding the vulnerability of copyrights and intellectual property in the face of AI advancements, the ELVIS Act serves as a crucial step towards addressing these challenges. Last year’s controversy surrounding the AI-generated song “Heart on My Sleeve,” which mimicked the voices of artists Drake and The Weeknd, underscored the urgency of safeguarding creative works from unauthorized AI manipulation. The music industry continues to grapple with the dual nature of AI as both a potential threat and a tool for innovation.