The ELVIS Act and AI voice cloning

Tennessee’s ELVIS Act (Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security) took effect July 1, 2024 — the first US state law to explicitly cover AI voice cloning. It extends the right of publicity to voice and applies to any individual, not just performers.

Why it matters to a buyer

A copyright licence to a recording does not cover the speaker’s voice. Under the ELVIS Act, unauthorized AI simulation of a voice is actionable, and liability extends to making cloning tools available — so a voice dataset without separate consent carries statutory exposure, not just contract risk.

Why it matters to a data owner

If your recordings feature identifiable speakers, their consent is a separate asset you need on file before licensing. The Act makes consented voice data worth more, because unconsented use now has a statute behind it.

Current legal status

In effect since July 1, 2024. The Act amends Tennessee’s Personal Rights Protection Act to extend the right of publicity to voice, applies to any individual rather than only performers, covers unauthorized AI voice simulation, and imposes liability for making cloning technology available for unauthorized use, enforceable through civil suits for injunctions and damages. It is state law, and the pending federal NO FAKES Act expressly preserves it.

What fiund does about it

fiund handles voice and likeness consent separately from the copyright licence wherever people are identifiable — the exact separation this statute assumes.

Sources

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