PRESS RELEASE FROM TENNESSEE STATE GOVERNMENT:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a significant move today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, accompanied by legislative leaders and music industry experts, signed into law the groundbreaking Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act. This pioneering legislation marks an update to Tennessee’s Protection of Personal Rights law, extending protections to songwriters, performers, and professionals in the music industry to safeguard their voices from potential misuse by artificial intelligence (AI).

The music industry in Tennessee plays a vital role, supporting over 61,617 jobs statewide, contributing $5.8 billion to the GDP, and enhancing more than 4,500 audio locations.

Governor Lee remarked, “Tennessee, renowned for its vibrant artistic legacy from Beale Street to Broadway and beyond, cherishes its cultural narrative. I extend my gratitude to the General Assembly for collaborating to establish legal safeguards for our exceptional musicians and artists amidst the evolving technological landscape driven by artificial intelligence.”

Previously, Tennessee’s legislation focused on addressing the emergence of personal conceptual AI cloning models and services that facilitate impersonation and the creation of deceptive works using the likeness and voice of others. However, it did not encompass the protection of individuals’ names, images, and likenesses as per existing laws.

Artists and musicians of all calibers are confronting exploitation and the misappropriation of their identity, integrity, and heritage, posing a threat to the future of Tennessee’s creators, their contributions locally and nationally, and the bond between fans and their favorite music.

By incorporating “voice” within its protective scope, the ELVIS Act builds upon the existing state law that guards against unauthorized image usage.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, expressed, “Once again, Tennessee leads the nation. The ELVIS Act stands as pioneering legislation safeguarding artists against artificially generated media. While AI’s rapid progress brings excitement, it also introduces challenges, especially for musicians, artists, and audio professionals. I take pride in collaborating with Governor Lee and fellow General Assembly members to modernize our laws, ensuring the preservation of Tennessee musicians’ distinct voices and creative content.”

The ELVIS Act serves as a critical shield, preserving the culture and creative expression of Tennessee’s innovators and creators. While endorsing responsible technological advancement, it is imperative to prevent jeopardizing an entire industry’s future. This legislation signifies a significant stride in upholding public trust and furthering endeavors to safeguard and promote Tennessee’s talent,” stated House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland.

Mitch Glazier, Chairman & CEO of the Recording Industry of America (RIAA), commended the united stance of the music community, stating, “This remarkable outcome underscores the power of unity within the music industry. We applaud Tennessee’s swift and astute action in defense against voice-clones and unwarranted AI deepfakes, and anticipate similar prompt actions from more states and the US Congress to protect everyone’s culture and identity.”

Various industry associations supporting Governor Lee’s artificial intelligence legislation include the Academy of Country Music, American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), The Americana Music Association, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), Church Music Publishers Association (CMPA), Christian Music Trade Association, Folk Alliance International, Global Music Rights, Gospel Music Association, The Living Legends Foundation, Music Artists Coalition, Nashville Musicians Association, National Music Publishers’ Association, Rhythm & Blues Foundation, Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC), Songwriters of North America (SONA), The Recording Academy, and Tennessee Entertainment Commission.