Copyright issues are nothing new. Most recently, Japanese voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda—renowned for voicing Kento Nanami in *Jujutsu Kaisen* and Seto Kaiba in *Yu-Gi-Oh!*—filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that his voice was replicated by AI without authorization. Tsuda’s voice was used in videos by an anonymous account boasting over 200,000 followers and generating monthly revenue of approximately 500,000 yen (~RM13,400).
This case serves as a stark warning regarding the threat AI voice mimicry poses to an artist's identity. A voice is fundamentally more than just sound; it is the product of training that shapes an individual's personal brand. Unauthorized replication not only impacts earnings but can also damage reputations and compromise the authenticity of artistic work.
TikTok has argued that the voice used was merely a generic male voice and that any resemblance to Tsuda’s was a matter of individual perception. Nevertheless, Tsuda is seeking legal recognition of the voice as a protected aspect of personal identity.
This lawsuit is considered the first of its kind in Japan regarding the protection of voices against AI. Meanwhile, other voice actors have launched a "No More" campaign to oppose the unauthorized use of AI-generated voices, fearing that the future of young artists could be jeopardized if the ruling does not favor Tsuda.
This issue extends beyond Japan, garnering international attention. Many countries lack specific laws protecting voices from AI, making Tsuda’s case a potential benchmark for the global creative industry.
Japanese law does not explicitly address voices. However, the Ministry of Justice has issued guidelines affirming that a voice is a symbol of personality and falls under the scope of publicity rights. The Tokyo court's decision is expected to be announced this Wednesday and is likely to attract attention, as Tsuda's voice is widely recognized.
