Tennessee’s ‘ELVIS Act’ Protects Musicians From AI

Tennessee has become the first U.S. state to protect songwriters and musicians from the dangers of artificial intelligence.

Governor Bill Lee on Thursday signed into law the so-called “ELVIS Act,” which makes it illegal to replicate an artist’s voice or other talents using A.I. without his or her permission. “We employ more people in Tennessee in the music industry than any other state,” Lee says. “Artists have intellectual property. They have gifts. They have a uniqueness that is theirs and theirs alone, certainly not artificial intelligence.”

Although Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland, is located in Memphis, Tennessee, the new law isn’t named after him. “ELVIS” stands for “Ensuring Likeness, Voice and Image Security,” according to the legislation. It goes into effect on July 1st.

Is there a good reason all states shouldn’t put similar laws into place?