As AI continues to reshape the entertainment industry, concerns over its impact on creative professionals continue to grow. This is especially true for voice actors who have voiced out their worries over protecting their works. Now, Harry Shearer, an old-timer in The Simpsons series, has offered a fresh perspective on the matter.

Shearer has also expressed his opinion on the increasing role of artificial intelligence in Hollywood. He then stated that the fears that AI will replace people at work are overestimated. When asked about his voice being recreated by AI, Shearer told Variety that he had been thinking about it.

"There are people in the business now who are very actively involved in legal proceedings to trademark their name and likeness. I think that's a good idea”, he said, endorsing the legal protections against AI misuse. 

He further stated that he had even talked to lawyers to find out how to protect himself from being impersonated. He then proposed that the use of AI technology by companies is just another marketing tool. It is reportedly based on creating a fear that many people will lose their jobs. 

Then, talking about Hollywood, Shearer stated that the time when the movie industry is transforming can lead to the creation of new stories. He argued that original ideas often emerge when established formulas begin to lose momentum. As for AI, he believes that it is just the prediction of words rather than creativity.

Shearer's remarks come as more entertainment figures take legal steps to protect their identities from the growing capabilities of AI.

Why is Taylor Swift trademarking her voice? 

Growing concerns about AI-generated impersonation have prompted Taylor Swift to seek trademark protection for elements of her voice. Through her company, TAS Rights Management, she applied for trademarks on two audio phrases: “Hey, it’s Taylor” and “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift,” and one specific image from the Eras Tour. Legal experts say the filings are intended to enhance her ability to challenge AI-generated material that falsely features her voice.

The filings also show a wider move by entertainers to safeguard their features as AI technology becomes more sophisticated. Copyright law protects existing recordings, but does not always prevent AI systems from generating convincing voice imitations. Trademark protection might provide an extra legal avenue against misleading commercial uses of a celebrity's voice or image, but the approach has not yet been fully tested in court.

With AI’s advancement, issues of ownership, consent, and protection of creative identities become more and more central to the entertainment industry. The comments from Harry Shearer and the rise of lawsuits from celebrities like Taylor Swift highlight a wider push to get safeguards in place before the technology moves faster than the law. As Hollywood adapts to the rapidly changing AI landscape, the debate will likely remain an important one. 

Will Hollywood be able to keep pace with AI as performers seek stronger legal protections for their voices and likenesses? Let us know in the comments. 

Written by

Bias Sinha

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra