Text-to-speech technology, and in particular voice cloning, is advancing at a dazzling speed. While these advances open up extraordinary creative and practical possibilities, they also raise complex ethical questions that deserve careful consideration. As users and creators of this technology, we have a responsibility to use it fairly and respectfully.
Consent and voice ownership
The most pressing issue is that of consent. Who owns a voice? Can anyone's voice be cloned without their permission? The answer is clearly no. Cloning a person's voice without their explicit consent is a violation of their privacy and identity. Companies like Resemble AI have put in place strict protocols to ensure that users can only clone their own voice, by asking them to read a consent statement with their voice to verify it.
Disinformation and audio "deepfakes"
One of the biggest fears related to voice cloning is its potential for malicious use, including the creation of audio "deepfakes". These are fake audio recordings where someone (often a public figure) is made to say things they never said. These deepfakes can be used to spread disinformation, damage someone's reputation, or even commit fraud. The fight against audio deepfakes is a major technical and societal challenge, which requires the development of detection tools and public education.
The impact on voice actors
The rise of high-quality synthetic voices also has an impact on the voice acting profession. Some fear that the technology will replace human actors, especially for jobs like announcements, audiobooks, or video game character voices. However, many believe that technology will never completely replace the artistic talent and interpretation of a human actor. The future may lie in collaboration, where actors could license synthetic versions of their voice, thus offering them a new source of passive income.
Transparency and identification
To avoid deception, it is essential to be transparent about the use of synthetic voices. Many experts advocate for the obligation to clearly identify AI-generated voices, for example by an inaudible audio watermark or by an explicit statement. This way, listeners would know that they are not listening to a human being, which would reduce the risk of manipulation.
Conclusion
Text-to-speech technology is a powerful tool that can be used for both good and evil. As a society, we must establish clear ethical safeguards to frame its use. Respect for consent, the fight against disinformation, fair compensation for voice actors, and transparency are the pillars of an ethical use of speech synthesis. At Free TTS, we are committed to promoting the responsible use of this fascinating technology, so that it serves to amplify human creativity and communication, not to harm them.