Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has hit a high note with the state's artists and musicians by signing the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act into law. The legislation, which marks a progressive step in the era of evolving technology, specifically targets the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate individuals' voices and images without consent. As reported by the Tennessee government's official site, this law expands the state's Protection of Personal Rights law, offering a shield for the state's vibrant music scene that pumps over $5.8 billion into the local GDP and backs more than 61,000 jobs.
"As the technology landscape evolves with artificial intelligence, I thank the General Assembly for its partnership in creating legal protection for our best-in-class artists and songwriters," Gov. Lee said, as per the Office of the Governor. Tennessee's new ELVIS Act pioneers a legal framework aimed at safeguarding the vocal assets of the state's music community from unauthorized AI-generated synthetic media. This protective measure has seemed like a necessity as artists at various levels combat the growing trend of exploitation and identity theft—a threat to the authenticity of their work and their relationship with fans.
The groundbreaking statute addresses a loophole in the existing laws, adding "voice" to the aspects of personal rights already under protection. Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, touted the state's leadership in this arena. "Once again, Tennessee is leading the nation. Today, the ELVIS Act becomes the first-of-its-kind law to protect musicians from AI-generated synthetic media," Johnson stated, highlighting the challenges faced by creatives in a rapidly advancing technological world, per the Office of the Governor.
Other key political figures echoed the sentiment on the importance of safeguarding artistic expression. "The ELVIS Act puts in critical safeguards to protect humanity and artistic expression of Tennessee innovators and creators," House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, said. With the cooperation of numerous music industry groups, the legislation’s passage illustrates a bipartisan effort to protect and maintain the integrity of the music industry amidst technological change, according to the Office of the Governor.
Praise for the ELVIS Act also comes from industry leaders, with Mitch Glazier, Chairman & CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), applauding Tennessee’s swift action against the use of unconsented AI deepfakes and voice clones. "This incredible result once again shows that when the music community stands together, there’s nothing we can't do," Glazier expressed. The legislation also garners support from a broad spectrum of music organizations, ranging from the Academy of Country Music to the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), highlighting the united front of the industry in support of this act, per the Office of the Governor.
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