Voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda has filed a lawsuit against ByteDance, the operator of TikTok, to remove videos using AI-generated versions of his voice [1].
This legal battle highlights the growing tension between generative AI technology and the intellectual property rights of performers. As AI becomes more capable of mimicking human speech, the industry is struggling to define whether a person's voice can be legally protected as a commercial asset.
Tsuda filed the lawsuit in the Tokyo District Court in November 2023 [1]. He is seeking the deletion of more than 180 videos [1] that utilize AI to imitate his voice without authorization. According to the filings, these videos were posted from July 2024 onward [1].
Tsuda said the AI-generated content violates his publicity rights, which cover the economic value associated with his professional voice. The lawsuit argues that the unauthorized use of his vocal likeness diminishes his ability to control, and monetize, his own professional brand.
ByteDance has contested the claims in court. The company said the voice used in the videos is a "universal male voice" rather than a specific imitation of Tsuda [1]. Based on this argument, the company has asked the court to dismiss the case.
This case is one of several emerging disputes in Japan and globally regarding the "right of publicity" for voices. While copyright law typically protects a recorded performance, the legal status of a synthesized voice that mimics a human without using a direct recording remains a grey area in many jurisdictions.
“The actor seeks the removal of more than 180 videos using AI-generated versions of his voice.”
This case serves as a critical test for Japanese courts in determining whether a synthesized AI voice constitutes a violation of publicity rights. If the court rules in favor of Tsuda, it could establish a legal precedent that protects the unique vocal characteristics of performers as economic assets, potentially forcing social media platforms to implement stricter filters for AI-generated likenesses.
