tHe was not reintroduced to the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate on Wednesday (April 9) with the help of country legend Randy Travis, his wife Mary Travis, and Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kink.
The reintroduction of the bill was designed to protect artists from unauthorized AI Deep Fark spoofing, and was part of the Recording Academy’s annual Grammy Awards Hill Initiative. On Wednesday, the Grammys Hill Award celebrated Travis with US presidents Linda Sanchez (D-CA) and Ron Estes (R-KS) for their dedication and advocacy to the rights of music creators.
Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tom Tillis (R-NC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4) Nataniel Moran (R-TX-1) Found a new supporter in the unlikely location, the high-tech industry. The bill is currently supported by tech giants like YouTube, Openai and IBM, and marks a rare moment of solidarity between artists and big technology in the AI era.
The Nofakes Act was first introduced as a draft bill in 2023 and officially introduced in the Senate in the summer of 2024. If passed, the law will create the first federal intellectual property protection for so-called rights of publicity. Currently, these rights are protected only at the state level, leading to a patchwork of various laws across the country.
Unlike some patchy state propaganda laws, federal rights created by the Fakes Act do not expire upon death and may be ruled by a heir for 70 years after his death. However, there are concrete sculptures of replicas used in news, parody, historical works, and criticisms to ensure that the initial right to amend the freedom of speech remains protected.
As AI voice models continue to evolve over the past few years, many artists are often on the receivers of AI deepfakes. In 2023, the AI music trend began with the so-called “fake Drake” song “Heart on My Sleeve.” Last year, for example, Taylor Swift was the subject of many sexually excellent AI deepfakes in her body. The voice of the late Tupac Shakur was deeply ingrained by fellow rapper Drake on the Kendrick Lamar Diss track “Taylor Made Freestyle,” posted on social media and deleted.
Even President Donald Trump has joined Deepfark’s trends and posted an unauthorized AI image of Swift, who is said to support him during his campaign back to the White House.
“I recently noticed that an AI (image) of “I” (image) has been posted on his site, which has misdirected the run of Donald Trump’s President. “It concluded that I need to be very transparent about my actual plan as a voter about this election’s actual plan. The easiest way to fight misinformation is the truth.”
Overall, the bill has gained widespread support among facilities in the entertainment industry. According to a press release on the reintroduction of the bill, it is being celebrated by Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group, Recording Industry Association, Recording Academy, Thug AFTRA, Human Artist Re-Campaign, Motion Picture Association and more.
Read the entertainment and tech industry reactions below.
Mitch Glazier, chairman and CEO of RIAA, praised the bipartisan efforts, saying, “This bill proves that it can prioritize AI growth and protect America’s creativity at the same time. It protects all individuals against the exploitative use of voices and likeness while supporting free speech, reducing litigation and achieving the promise of AI technology.”
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of Recording Academy, added: “The Academy is proud to represent and serve creators, and the Grammys on the Hill bring music makers to our country’s capital and heighten policy issues that affect our industry. Enhanced – not replace – human creativity.”
Kyncl added: “I commend Senator Blackburn and Senators Salazar and Dean for their leadership in introducing the No Fakes Act, which reflects what happens when the technology and creative industries come together.
A spokesman for Sony Music said: “Sony Music is proud to promote the ethical use of AI and support the No-Fake Act to support artists with more control over their identity and creative expression. Creativity to thrive.”
A UMG spokesman said: “The Universal Music Group praises the reintroduction of the No Fakes Act: Landmark, bipartisan, and other threats to the right to control the “deepfake” of both houses of laws and other voices and visual similarities. For their thoughtful leadership on this important issue. ”
“We’re a great place to go,” said Leslie Miller, YouTube’s Vice President of Public Policy. “For nearly 20 years, YouTube has been at the forefront of large-scale rights management and we understand the importance of working with our partners to actively tackle these issues. With regard to the No Fakes Act, it is consistent with our continued efforts to protect creators and audiences, reflecting our commitment to shaping the future where AI is used responsibly.”
“We are pleased to announce that we are committed to providing a range of services and services to helping people with a range of services,” said Graham Davies, CEO/President of Digital Media Association (DIMA). An opportunity to help all stakeholders strengthen and improve the bill further. ”
