Voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda has filed a lawsuit in the Tokyo District Court seeking the removal of AI-generated videos that mimic his voice [1, 2].
The legal action highlights a growing conflict between generative AI technology and the professional rights of performers whose unique vocal characteristics are being cloned without consent. As AI tools make high-fidelity voice replication accessible, the industry faces a critical question regarding whether a person's voice is a protectable asset or a public commodity.
Legal representatives for Tsuda said that the AI-generated content is similar to his unique voice quality and that some viewers have left comments mistaking the clones for the real actor [1]. The lawsuit focuses on the infringement of Tsuda's "publicity rights" and the concern that AI voices lead to public misidentification [1, 2].
According to the filing, there are more than 180 videos on the TikTok platform utilizing these AI-generated voice clones [1].
TikTok responded to the allegations by arguing that the voice in question is a "universal male voice" [1]. A representative for the company said the videos do not attract viewers based on the voice itself [1].
This case enters a complex legal landscape in Japan. Legal experts have noted that voices typically do not fall under the scope of copyright law [2]. This means the court must determine if the right to one's likeness and public identity extends to the sonic qualities of a voice when processed through artificial intelligence.
Tsuda's legal team continues to argue that the distinctiveness of his voice is a core part of his professional identity, making its unauthorized replication a direct harm to his career [1].
“"Unique voice quality... and comments have been posted mistaking it for the real person."”
This lawsuit serves as a bellwether for the entertainment industry's struggle against 'deepfake' audio. Because copyright law traditionally protects the recording of a voice rather than the sound of the voice itself, the outcome will depend on how the Tokyo District Court interprets 'publicity rights.' A ruling in favor of Tsuda could set a precedent requiring platforms to implement stricter filters for AI-generated likenesses and granting performers greater control over their digital vocal identities.
