You can’t believe everything you hear. That’s becoming especially true as technology advances and artificial intelligence makes it ever easier to duplicate people’s voices to a near-perfect quality.
SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon gave a presentation on voice cloning at a Federal Trade Commission-sponsored workshop in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 28. Luminaries in education, technology and government came together to discuss how voice cloning can be used and misused, and the work being done on tools to help distinguish the fakes from the real McCoy.
It’s an issue that’s important for the future of SAG-AFTRA members, whose voices — and livelihoods — could be ripped off. Phony audio could be combined with “deepfake” images to create a wholly manufactured video of anyone saying anything, including news reporters and government officials.
As with any new tool, it can be used to help or hurt. Voice cloning can also open up new creative frontiers or allow people who have had tracheotomies regain their voices.
SAG-AFTRA is leading the conversation to ensure members’ interests are protected as we advance into a bold new era.
This item originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA magazine spring 2020 issue.
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