Japan panel backs civil liability for unauthorized AI use of famous voices

An expert committee of Japan's Justice Ministry on Monday broadly approved a draft report backing civil liability for unauthorized use of famous individuals' voices by generative AI, stating that voices would be legally protected under the right of publicity. The report allows individuals to seek compensation or removal of online posts if infringement is confirmed, as voice actors seek clarification since no Japanese court has ruled on these rights. The ministry will release a final report as early as August.

Japan panel backs civil liability for unauthorized AI use of famous voices On Monday, an expert committee of Japan's Justice Ministry broadly approved a draft report on civil liability for the unauthorized use of the voices of famous individuals by generative artificial intelligence, Qazinform News Agency https://qazinform.com/ cites JIJI Press https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2026072700932 . The report stated that voices would be legally protected under the right of publicity, which allows celebrities to control the commercial value of their names and portraits. It also noted that individuals can seek compensation or the removal of online posts if an infringement of the right is confirmed. Voice actors and others are requesting clarification on what qualifies as illegal use of their voices, since no Japanese court has issued a ruling on these rights. The ministry will release a final report as early as August, based on expert opinions. Earlier, Qazinform News Agency https://qazinform.com/ reported that a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers had introduced https://qazinform.com/news/us-lawmakers-propose-ai-kill-switch-legislation-240e05 legislation granting the federal government the authority to quickly shut down artificial intelligence systems deemed to pose a serious threat to public safety.