The NO FAKES Act: Safeguarding Artists’ Rights in the AI Era
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, concerns about the potential misuse of AI-generated deepfakes and voice clones have come to the forefront. The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) is taking a stand to protect artists and public figures by supporting the NO FAKES Act, a groundbreaking bipartisan legislation that aims to establish a federal right for individuals to own and defend their voice and likeness.
The NO FAKES Act, which stands for the “Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Act of 2025,” was reintroduced by a group of senators and representatives, including Marsha Blackburn, Chris Coons, Thom Tillis, Amy Klobuchar, María Elvira Salazar, Madeleine Dean, Nathaniel Moran, and Becca Balint. This legislation seeks to address the growing concern of AI-generated content being used to exploit and manipulate artists and public figures.
Protecting Intellectual Property
One of the key components of the NO FAKES Act is the creation of a new federal intellectual property right that covers a person’s voice and image. This provision would make it **illegal to distribute or profit from unauthorized digital replicas without the consent of the individual**. By establishing this right, the legislation aims to give artists and public figures greater control over their digital identity and prevent the unauthorized use of their likeness.
Combating Misuse and Manipulation
The NO FAKES Act specifically targets AI-generated deepfakes that are used in scams, revenge porn, and other forms of manipulative content. In recent years, there have been numerous instances where AI-generated content has been used to spread misinformation, harass individuals, or engage in fraudulent activities. By addressing these issues head-on, the legislation seeks to protect artists and the public from the harmful effects of AI misuse.
Holding Platforms Accountable
To ensure the effectiveness of the NO FAKES Act, the legislation includes provisions that hold platforms liable if they fail to remove unauthorized content in a timely manner. This measure is designed to encourage platforms to take a proactive approach in monitoring and removing AI-generated content that violates the rights of artists and public figures. By holding platforms accountable, the NO FAKES Act aims to create a safer and more trustworthy online environment.
Preserving Creative Freedom
While the NO FAKES Act seeks to protect artists and public figures from AI misuse, it also recognizes the importance of preserving creative freedom. The legislation includes exceptions for journalism, documentaries, biographies, and other forms of protected speech. These exceptions ensure that the use of AI-generated content for legitimate purposes, such as news reporting or artistic expression, is not unduly restricted.
Industry Support and Collaboration
The NO FAKES Act has garnered significant support from various organizations within the music and technology industries. BMAC is part of a coalition that includes the Recording Academy, ASCAP, RIAA, and Songwriters of North America. Additionally, major companies like Google and OpenAI have expressed their support for the legislation.
This widespread industry support highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework to address the challenges posed by AI-generated content. By working together, these organizations aim to strike a balance between protecting artists’ rights and fostering responsible innovation in the AI field.
The Path Forward
The introduction of the NO FAKES Act marks a significant step towards establishing national standards for protecting artists’ rights in the digital age. As AI technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it is crucial that legal frameworks keep up to ensure the integrity of creative works and prevent the misuse of AI-generated content.
BMAC’s support for the NO FAKES Act demonstrates the music industry’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of artists and promoting a fair and sustainable creative ecosystem. By advocating for this legislation, BMAC and its coalition partners are sending a clear message that the unauthorized use of AI-generated content will not be tolerated.
As the NO FAKES Act makes its way through the legislative process, it is essential for artists, public figures, and the broader public to stay informed and engaged. By raising awareness about the importance of protecting one’s digital identity and supporting initiatives like the NO FAKES Act, we can work towards creating a safer and more equitable digital landscape for all.
#AIEthics #ArtistsRights #DigitalIdentity
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how we can protect artists’ rights in the AI era. Together, let’s ensure that the creative industry thrives while embracing responsible AI innovation.
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