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Addressing the elephant in the room, AI is here to stay.

As a new disruptive technology, it has brought forth many ethical considerations around its use. Points of contention range from bias, discrimination, job replacement, transparency, social manipulation, privacy, security and several others. Of great concern to CAVA, and the AI issue in voice over our mission is inspired to address is chiefly that of ownership and use of an individual’s voice. 

 

AI technology can now create a voice clone with only 10 seconds of recorded audio. Currently in Canada, people do not own the right to their own voiceprint. ACTRA has met with Canadian legislators to put forth protections for Canadian actors and people in general. The reception has been positive but the move to create enforceable laws is outpaced by technology. CAVA joins ACTRA in its goal to protect Canadians with authorship of their own voices.  

 

What can you do in the meantime?

 

Add written language to any job to stipulate and protect the usage of your recorded voice. 

This should include explicit limits on the use of your recorded voice for Machine Learning and Generative AI/Synthetic voice. It should include limits on the transfer or sale of any file to a third party.

Safe storage and tracking of the use of a performer’s voice, likeness, performance and any products created from them. 

 

For union members:

 

Look for any of these phrases in your contracts:

“simulation”

“synthesization”

“digital double”

“machine learning”

 

Do not risk the job, take it. But also, contact ACTRA and let them know about the language in question. 

 

For non-union members:

 

1.Be proactive! Ask your agent to include the CAVA AI/Synthetic voice rider to any booked job or add it yourself if you are dealing directly with your clients.

2. Inform yourself. CAVA will be continually updating this website with more information on the dangers/exposure you may have, what you can do and how to protect your work.

3. If you find any references in a contract to “simulation” “synthesization” “digital double” or “machine learning” tell your agent or talk to your client. They may not be aware it is there. Often contracts written by attorneys insert that language “just in case.”

4. Contact CAVA 

 

Riders

CAVA’s sister organization NAVA commissioned a rider or addendum for AI/Synthetic Voice to address the current concerns many voice actors have regarding the potential use of AI and Synthetic voices. 

 

This rider can be used by CAVA members. It is meant for education only and does not constitute legal advice from CAVA or any of its members. Review the terms of any contracts you are offered with your own attorney or agent to fully protect yourself in your particular situation. 

 

 

Contracts:

 

Make sure any contract you sign clearly states:

 

Rates: are you getting paid enough? Union minimums are a good place to start and can be referenced even if you are not in the union. What is the potential population that may have access to it?

 

Usage: how will your audio file be used? Different uses have different rates. (Commercial, TTS (text to speech), IVR (interactive voice recording), audiobook are some examples of finite uses) 

Terms & Exclusivity: Ask how long they want to use your file? “In perpetuity” and “buyout” robs you of future income. State a start and end date so you can renegotiate for future use of your work. Exclusivity should be paid for. 

Storage: Who will store and have access to the audio files of your voice? Can anyone use it for purposes other than what you agreed to?  Do you have a say in how they will be used? 

 

 

This is not a Union vs Non-Union issue. This affects all Canadians who make their living in voice work or affiliated with its production. Spread the word. This affects all of us.

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