The agreement, however, does not cover the use of performer voices to train large language models. The union's negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, suggested that other agreements might be reached in other aspects of vocal performance, such as music and TV commercials. He also stated that the estates of deceased performers could potentially agree to the use of those voices under the new licensing agreement.
Key takeaways:
- SAG-AFTRA, the world's largest labor union representing performers, has signed an agreement with AI voice technology company Replica Studios, allowing union members to license digital replicas of their voices for use in video games.
- The agreement is a significant step in the ongoing debate about AI's ability to mimic famous voices, which has been a controversial issue in recent years.
- The agreement does not cover the use of performer voices to train large language models, a practice that has been criticized by famous authors like George R.R. Martin.
- While this agreement is specifically about video games, other agreements might be reached in other aspects of vocal performance, such as music and TV commercials.