ElevenLabs is a startup focused on AI voice cloning and text-to-speech APIs, recently announcing a new feature that allows users to build complete conversational AI agents. Users can now customize various parameters of the conversational agent, such as voice tone and response length, according to their needs on ElevenLabs' developer platform. Previously, ElevenLabs mainly offered various voice and text-to-speech services. The company's growth director, Sam Sklar, stated that...

According to AI media outlet 'Digital Life Kazek', WeChat Official Accounts have quietly rolled out a new feature - AI Voice Cloning, aimed at enhancing users' reading experience. This update is reflected in version 2.29.1 of the official accounts, allowing users to read articles in their own voice, greatly enhancing content personalization. Users can find the 'Reading Voice' option in the backend settings to create their own unique voice. The process of creating a voice is relatively simple; users just need to read a piece of text on the spot, and the system will quickly perform voice cloning.

Recently, a shocking case of AI voice cloning fraud has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the significant risks associated with this technology. Jay Shuster, a well-known consumer protection lawyer, nearly fell victim to this high-tech scam when the fraudster used AI to imitate Jay's voice, claiming he had been arrested for drunk driving and urgently needed $30,000 in 'bail money.' Astonishingly, the scammer was able to create a convincing voice clone using just 15 seconds of TV interview audio. Despite Jay having previously warned his family to be cautious of such scams, they still...

The actors' union SAG-AFTRA has signed an agreement with AI cloning startup Narrativ, allowing actors to legally license their voices for AI-generated audio advertisements. The agreement ensures that actors have the right to understand and reject brand proposals, set prices, and negotiate for fair compensation. SAG-AFTRA's benefit plans will receive a share of the advertising revenue, though the specific percentage has not been disclosed. This agreement aims to address the widespread dissemination of AI-cloned voices without authorization, following ongoing concerns within the AI industry.

IBM researchers have discovered a relatively simple method for hijacking voice calls using generative AI tools. This finding raises concerns for organizations that rely on phone verification for identity, such as financial institutions. It poses a challenge for chatbots, as low-cost AI tools enable scammers to easily impersonate others’ voices, stealing funds and other sensitive information. Audio hijacking is a new threat, where malicious actors can manipulate large language models using voice cloning during ongoing conversations.

The open-source voice cloning tool OpenVoice, developed in collaboration with MIT, Tsinghua University, and Canadian AI startup MyShell, has garnered attention. OpenVoice employs a simple and efficient method to almost instantly clone a user's voice, significantly reducing computational resource consumption. It boasts powerful features that provide detailed control options, including tone, emotion, rhythm, and pauses, generating personalized voice clones. MyShell's business model plans to offer monthly subscriptions through a web application, along with promotion fees for third-party bot creators and artificial intelligence services.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) urges the government to add AI voice cloning to the piracy regulation list due to concerns over copyright infringement. Websites like Voicify.AI have been accused of encouraging unauthorized use of celebrity voices for cloning, infringing on copyrights and the right of publicity. AI voice cloning has garnered widespread attention over the past year, sparking debates about copyright status. While AI's impact on the right of publicity raises concerns, legal approaches remain uncertain.

The RIAA demands that AI voice cloning sites be added to the government's piracy watchlist, specifically naming Voicify.AI for infringing on artists' public rights. The RIAA urges regulation of AI voice cloning sites to curb the surge of unauthorized derivative works.