Polish actors are launching a legal offensive against companies using artificial intelligence to replicate their voices without consent or compensation.
Polish Actors Challenge AI Voice Replication
The Polish acting community is taking a stand against firms utilizing artificial intelligence, with three major industry organizations forming a united front to demand urgent legal changes.
They seek to protect voice as personal property and a professional tool, addressing not just individual abuses but the entire functioning of the audiovisual market.
“My Voice. My Property” Initiative Launched
Związek Artystów Scen Polskich (ZASP), Związek Zawodowy Twórców Dubbingu, and Związek Zawodowy Aktorów Polskich have jointly launched the “My Voice. My Property” initiative.
This responds to the growing use of generative AI in advertising, film, and online content, often without the knowledge or consent of creators.
Concerns Extend Beyond Illegal Copying
Organizations emphasize the issue isn’t solely about unauthorized voice cloning, but also its commercial exploitation without remuneration.
They argue a lack of clear legal regulations leaves creators without effective protection.
Call for Clear Regulations and Fair Compensation
ZASP President Jan Tomaszewicz stated, “We understand the pace of technological development, but the state cannot remain passive in the face of abuse.”
He added that clear regulations are needed to guarantee creators control over their voice usage and fair compensation.
Voice as a Personal Asset and Professional Foundation
The dispute centers on the status of voice as an element of an artist’s identity, a fundamental tool for actors, dubbing artists, and voice-over professionals built through years of experience and recognition.
Legal Experts Advocate for Voice Protection
Copyright experts increasingly suggest voice should be treated similarly to image—as a personal right protected by civil law.
However, deepfake technology and voice cloning systems enable near-perfect copies without the original performer’s involvement.
Global Trend and Similar Regulations
This issue aligns with a broader global trend, with US actors represented by SAG-AFTRA protesting AI use of their likeness and voice in 2023.
Similar regulations are currently under consideration in the European Union as part of the AI Act.
Jarosław Łukomski Case Sets Precedent in Poland
A prominent case in Poland involves voice actor Jarosław Łukomski, brought before the Warsaw District Court.
The artist recognized his voice in an advertisement he never recorded, determined to be a synthetic model of his vocal tone.
First Major Case in Poland
This is the first significant case in Poland that could establish legal standards for voice protection.
The proceedings concern the unauthorized use of technology by a company in the water and sewage industry.
AI-Generated Voices Expand Beyond Niche Projects
The case highlights the growing scale of the problem, with AI-generated voices appearing not only in niche projects but also in advertisements and sales campaigns.
Similar practices are also observed in audiobook production, where AI replicates the interpretive style of known narrators.
Systemic Threats to the Job Market and Production Quality
The artistic community warns that without appropriate regulations, the job market could become destabilized.
AI use allows producers to significantly reduce costs, creating pressure to lower rates for professional performers.
Potential for Job Losses and Quality Decline
This could lead to fewer job opportunities, a decline in production quality, and the marginalization of voice acting and dubbing professions.
Experts argue that automation in this field is not neutral, directly impacting cultural standards and the media market.
Lack of Transparency in AI Model Training
A further issue is the lack of transparency in the process of training AI models, with creators often unaware if their recordings were used as training data and under what conditions.
Legislative Proposals and Industry Support
The coalition has presented specific legislative proposals, including mechanisms to support productions utilizing actors, such as grants or tax incentives.