【Portraits of Humanity】 Curbing the Abuse of AI-generated Sounds
Wang Qi
From "Dr. Zhang Wenhong" promoting protein bars through a viral video "went viral" online, only to be later exposed by the doctor himself, to multiple voice actors claiming their voices were stolen by AI, and publicly seeking justice... Media investigations have found that with the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and large-scale speech models, AI-generated sound apps have proliferated, with some capable of "cloning" sounds in as little as 15 seconds. Meanwhile, the phenomenon of AI-generated sounds has become more pronounced, often sparking controversy.
The abuse of AI-generated sounds, first and foremost, infringes upon individuals' right to their own voices. Each person's voice is unique and embodies rich personal information and characteristics. When these voices are "cloned" by illegal entities using AI technology for nefarious purposes, it is undoubtedly a severe violation of individuals' rights. Moreover, this type of abuse could also mislead the public, disrupt social order, and even facilitate the growth of criminal activities. In light of this new issue, we need to tackle it from multiple angles, collectively building a rational application and regulatory system for AI-generated sounds.
Legislation is the cornerstone of curbing AI-generated sound abuse. Although China has relevant laws and regulations governing personal information protection, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the rights and interests of AI-generated sounds. Therefore, it is essential to refine these laws and regulations, clarifying the legal status and ownership of AI-generated sounds. Additionally, law enforcement agencies should strengthen their penalties for infringing upon sound rights, serving as a deterrent.
Regulation is crucial for ensuring that laws are enforced. The Beijing Internet Court's verdict on the first "AI voice infringement" case nationwide set an important precedent, but a more comprehensive regulatory system still needs to be built. Relevant departments should establish a long-term regulatory mechanism, regularly reviewing and evaluating AI-generated content on platforms, ensuring it is legal and compliant. For violations, swift measures should be taken to prevent them from happening again, with responsible individuals subject to severe punishment.
Technological prevention is equally indispensable. The dual-edged nature of AI sound synthesis technology requires us to both leverage its benefits and mitigate potential risks. Therefore, developing more advanced voiceprint recognition technologies and AI content identification tools is essential. These technologies can identify and intercept illegal AI-generated sounds in real-time, providing robust support for regulation.
Finally, raising personal awareness of self-protection is also crucial. In the AI era, each of us needs to enhance our understanding of protecting biological features information. Do not easily reveal your voice samples, and avoid being exploited by illegal entities. At the same time, be vigilant when encountering AI-generated sounds online, and do not spread unverified information.
Curbing AI-generated sound abuse requires collective efforts from all society. Through refining legislation, strengthening regulation, enhancing technological prevention capabilities, and raising personal awareness of self-protection, we can build a healthy, safe online environment, allowing AI technology to better serve human social development.
This column article represents the author's personal viewpoint only