Tennessee just became the first US state to pass a law protecting musicians, performers, and music artists from the potential danger posed by the growing AI industry, The New York Times reported.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday inked the Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act or "ELVIS Act" to prevent AI firms from using or producing a real-life individual's voice, even those who have died, without permission.
Lee touted the newly-passed law to protect artists' intellectual property and their uniqueness "that is theirs and theirs alone." The legislation will go into effect on July 1.
Tennessee, home of country music, is noted to employ the most people in the music industry among US states.
The law is only possible in Tennessee thanks to its unique legislation that considers the name, photograph, and likeness to have property rights rather than directly going to the public domain.
Only two other states have similar laws with Tennessee.
The Personal Rights Protection Act was passed in 1984 following the death of the "King of Rock and Roll" Elvis Presley and the ensuing legal battles over the rampant unauthorized use of his image and likeness.
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Artists, Performers Move to Protect Likeness from Unauthorized Use
Once the Tennessee law gets implemented, it would provide further protection for music artists as the industry turns to AI to perpetually own their likeness.
Similar calls against such practices have just been scrutinized in the recently ended actor's strike in Hollywood in an effort to help artists and performers get compensation if a studio ever intends to use their likeness on AI.
More States, Federal Agencies Push for AI Legislations
The sudden boom of AI last year has prompted several states and agencies to pass legislation to govern its development and application amid concerns about its potential dangers.
Even the White House issued last October an executive order to form strategic planning in handling the growth of the AI industry to its economy, security, and data privacy.
Several Federal departments like Justice, Transportation, and Education have also begun giving attention to possible uses of AI in their fields, both benefits and risks it poses.
