Many fields are getting exploited in the training process for AI and voice acting is no exception.

In recent years, there’s been a growing trend in the use of AI technology to create synthetic voices for a wide range of applications, including chatbots, virtual assistants, audiobooks, and more. This has led to an increased demand for voice samples to train the machine learning algorithms that power these systems.

AI voice technology needs lots of training data to learn how to recognize and synthesize different voices. One of the main sources of this data comes from existing voice recordings, including those of professional voice actors. When these recordings are used without permission or compensation, it’s a violation of the actors’ rights.

We spend years perfecting our craft. We live for the collaboration and opportunities to create unique performances. Needless to say, this isn’t fair.

The lack of compensation has huge financial implications. As much as being creative is fun, this is also the way we make a living. When our recordings are used to train AI systems without our knowledge, we’re missing out on deserved income and possibly future job opportunities. Seriously, this could have a devastating impact on livelihoods and families.

Another thing is the lack of control that we’d have over the use of our voice. We wouldn’t get to decide how the voice is used and/or what it’s used for. There’s so much potential misuse/misrepresentation.

Using our voices without our consent and rightful compensation is unethical and exploitative. There’s a way for AI and VO to play friendly. I just hope that’s an actual possibility.