AI tool that copied actor’s ‘lustrous’ voice violated his rights, says Tokyo court

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-30T11:21:11.604Z • Permanent link

Kenjiro Tsuda, a renowned Japanese actor, has emerged victorious in a landmark case against a TikTok account that used his voice without permission. The court in Tokyo has ruled that the human voice has legal protection, setting a significant precedent for publicity rights in Japan. Tsuda, known for his distinctive 'lustrous' voice, claimed that the TikTok account had used his voice to create a digital replica of him, causing him significant emotional distress and financial losses. The court's decision is seen as a major victory for Tsuda and a significant milestone in the development of AI-powered voice technology.

Tsuda's lawsuit against the TikTok account was sparked by the rise of AI-generated voice technology, which has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. The technology has been used in various applications, including voice assistants, chatbots, and even digital avatars. However, the use of human voices without permission has raised concerns about publicity rights and the potential for copyright infringement. Tsuda's case has drawn attention from the tech industry, with many experts calling for greater regulation of AI-powered voice technology.

The court's decision has significant implications for the AI and tech ecosystem, particularly for companies that rely on voice data. TikTok, in particular, has faced criticism for its handling of user data, including voice recordings. The court's ruling may lead to increased scrutiny of the company's practices and greater transparency around the use of voice data. As the use of AI-powered voice technology continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more cases like Tsuda's, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and regulations around publicity rights.

The court's decision has significant real-world implications for the AI and tech ecosystem. Companies that rely on voice data, such as TikTok, may need to re-examine their practices and consider the potential risks and liabilities associated with using human voices without permission. Research communities and policymakers may also need to take a closer look at the use of AI-powered voice technology and consider the need for greater regulation and transparency. The case has also raised questions about the potential for AI-generated voice technology to be used for malicious purposes, such as creating deepfakes or other forms of deception.

The decision may also have a significant impact on the broader market, particularly in the areas of entertainment and advertising. The use of AI-generated voice technology has become increasingly sophisticated, with some companies using it to create digital avatars that can mimic the voices of celebrities and influencers. However, the court's ruling may lead to increased costs and complexity for companies that rely on this technology, potentially limiting its use in certain applications. As the use of AI-powered voice technology continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more cases like Tsuda's, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and regulations around publicity rights.

The court's decision is part of a larger pattern of increased regulation and scrutiny of the tech industry. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases involving the use of AI-powered voice technology, including a lawsuit filed by a group of musicians against a music streaming service that used AI-generated voice samples without permission. These cases have highlighted the need for greater regulation and transparency around the use of AI-powered voice technology, particularly in the areas of publicity rights and copyright infringement.