The Japan Actors Union has announced new guidelines to address the unauthorised use of generative AI to replicate voice performances.
As Automaton reports, the union’s framework recommends obtaining prior consent at “every stage” of using generative AI, including before training models on an actor’s performance.
If generative AI replicates a performance, it must be treated as a new performance, requiring additional royalties or compensation for the actors involved.
For deceased actors, generative AI may replicate their voice only if permission was granted during their lifetime. Developers or AI companies must also obtain consent from the deceased’s family and affiliated agency or company, and pay royalties.
The union’s guidance also covers automatic translations by generative AI into another language. If used, it must maintain the “artistic integrity” of the original performance and cannot be used overseas without permission.
“The Japan Actors Union will strive to not just establish these guidelines as industry-wide rules, but also strengthen its efforts to encourage the government to legislate regulations that protect ‘voice rights’,” the union said.
“Technological advancements will not stop, but the ‘living, breathing human expression’ and ‘respect for rights’ must always remain at its core.”
Last year, research showed that over half of Japanese developers use generative AI in game development, primarily for creating visual assets, images, character art, story generation, in-game text, and programming support.
In 2023, SAG-AFTRA members voted to authorise a strike against several major publishers to protect performers from AI and ensure job security.
After an 11-month strike, members voted in favour of the 2025 SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Video Game Agreement, which included safety guardrails around AI being put in place, including “consent and disclosure requirements for AI digital replica use and the ability for performers to suspend consent for the generation of new material during a strike.”
Yesterday, UKIE announced a partnership with law firm Sheridans to offer an AI Compliance and Accreditation Service, supporting UK studios in using AI lawfully and responsibly.