The legislation aims to safeguard music industry professionals from unauthorized replication of their intellectual property
On Thursday, Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee approved legislation aimed at shielding songwriters, performers, and other music industry professionals from the potential risks posed by artificial intelligence.
Tennessee, renowned as the birthplace of country music and a springboard for music legends, becomes the first state in the US to implement such measures. Advocates aim to safeguard artists’ voices from being replicated by AI without permission. The legislation takes effect on July 1st.
“We employ more people in Tennessee in the music industry than any other state,” Lee stated to reporters after signing the bill. “Artists possess intellectual property, unique gifts that are theirs alone, certainly not artificial intelligence.”
The state is one of only three where names, photographs, and likenesses are considered property rights rather than rights of publicity. The newly signed statute, known as the Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act or “Elvis Act,” now includes vocal likeness in that list.
However, the effectiveness of the legislation in protecting artists’ work from AI replication without permission remains uncertain. Supporters, including Lee, acknowledge that despite strong backing from the music industry and unanimous approval from the Tennessee statehouse, the law is untested. Given the ongoing clashes between the GOP supermajority and a handful of Democrats, this level of bipartisan agreement is a surprising anomaly.
Many musicians in Tennessee express urgency, noting that AI threats are already apparent on their phones and in their studios.
“I receive things on my phone that I can’t distinguish from myself,” country star Luke Bryan remarked. “It’s a real issue now, and hopefully, this legislation will address it and slow it down.”
The bill-signing event took place at the bustling Robert’s Western World in the heart of Nashville’s Lower Broadway, a venue popular among tourists seeking traditional country music.
The decision to name the newly enacted statute after Elvis Presley was more than just a tribute to one of the state’s most iconic figures.
The passing of Elvis Presley in 1977 led to a contentious legal battle over the unauthorized use of his name and likeness. Many argued that once a celebrity died, their name and image became part of the public domain.
However, by 1984, the Tennessee legislature passed the Personal Rights Protection Act, ensuring that personality rights extend beyond death and can be inherited by others. This act states that “the individual rights … constitute property rights and are freely assignable and licensable, and do not expire upon the death of the individual so protected.”
Initially critical for safeguarding Presley’s estate, this act has since been praised for protecting the names, photographs, and likenesses of all Tennessee’s public figures.
Now, Tennessee will include vocal likeness in these protections.