In an effort to safeguard musicians against abuse by artificial intelligence (AI), the Tennessee House Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee unanimously passed a new bill on February 13th.
The bill, named the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act (ELVIS) or HB 2091, was introduced by Governor Bill Lee in January 2024. Its main objective is to combat unethical uses of AI, particularly the unauthorized exploitation of artists’ voice, image, and likeness.
Although ELVIS primarily advocates for the state’s music community, it applies to all residents of Tennessee. The bill received support from State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson and House Majority Leader William Lamberth.
Nashville, the capital city of Tennessee, is one of the leading hubs for music industry activity in the United States. According to data from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the music industry in Nashville contributes $5.5 billion to the local economy, with a total output of $9.7 billion for the entire Nashville area. Therefore, the introduction of the ELVIS Act through Tennessee’s representatives is of great significance to the working population.
During the subcommittee meeting, singer and actress Chrissy Metz, Nashville Songwriter Association board member and songwriter Jamie Moore, and Jessie Richard, the senior vice president for public policy of the RIAA, provided testimonies.
Moore expressed concern about the rapid development and advancement of generative AI, stating that it has the potential to completely transform the music industry. He emphasized the importance of music in the local culture and economy, asserting that Tennessee is leading the charge in protecting creators and sending a message to the world about the significance of human creativity.
Richard from the RIAA emphasized that the ELVIS Act applies to all individuals, highlighting the importance of protecting the voices and likenesses of every Tennessean.
The subcommittee’s approval of the bill follows the endorsement of a federal bill called the No AI Fraud Act by nearly 300 creatives, including Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. This federal bill also addresses the need to protect artists from similar AI-related threats.
Magazine:
ChatGPT trigger happy with nukes, SEGA’s 80s AI, TAO up 90%: AI Eye