Japan Justice Ministry Panel Proposes Liability for Unauthorized AI Voice Use

A panel of Japan's Justice Ministry approved a draft report outlining civil liability for the unauthorized use of famous individuals' voices by generative artificial intelligence. The draft says such AI‑generated voice content would infringe the right of publicity, allowing victims to demand compensation or removal of infringing posts. It covers cases where AI creates sound sources that mimic an actor or singer for profit, even if the voice is not an exact replica, and notes that mere impersonations without commercial intent are generally not infringing.

Voice actress Megumi Ogata, known for roles such as Shinji Ikari in "Neon Genesis Evangelion," criticised the surge of AI‑generated voice models that replicate her performances without permission. She urged the Japanese government to enact clearer legal protections, citing estimated losses of 2‑4.5 billion yen from unauthorized AI‑generated content. The Ministry plans to release a final report in August, aiming to give creators a legal avenue to address AI‑driven voice and image misuse.