Two voice actors are suing a San Francisco-based AI startup, Lovo, in a Manhattan federal court case. The lawsuit accuses Lovo of illegally copying and using the actors' voices in its AI voiceover technology without their permission.
Actors Claim Voices Used Without Consent
Paul Skye Lehrman and Linnea Sage allege in the proposed class-action lawsuit that Lovo tricked them into providing voice samples. They claim Lovo is now selling AI versions of their voices without permission. The lawsuit seeks at least $5 million in damages for the class and accuses Lovo of fraud, false advertising, and violating the actors' publicity rights.
Growing Trend of AI Misusing Content?
This lawsuit adds to a growing number of legal battles focused on how tech companies use content to train AI systems.Previously, lawsuits have targeted the misuse of content like books, news articles, and song lyrics.
"We want to make sure this doesn't happen to other people," stated lawyer Steve Cohen, representing the plaintiffs. His concern is that many of the thousands of voices Lovo claims to use might be unaware their voices were captured and are potentially still being used.
Lovo's Response Sought
Representatives for Lovo have not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.
Deceptive Practices Alleged
The lawsuit details how Lehrman and Sage were approached on Fiverr, a freelancer marketplace. They were offered voiceover work for anonymous clients. Lehrman was allegedly told his voice would be used for a "research project," while Sage was told hers would be used only for "test scripts for radio ads."
Voices Allegedly Misused
Lehrman claims he later discovered AI versions of his voice in YouTube videos about Russian military equipment and in a podcast episode discussing "the dangers of AI technologies." The lawsuit further alleges Sage's voice was used for voiceovers in Lovo's promotional materials.
Source: Reuters
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