The ELVIS Act – 1/12/24 – Legislative Updates
On January 11, 2024, the Copyright Society of the South welcomed back NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison who presented legislative updates regarding intellectual property. The luncheon event was held for Society members and guests at the Country Music Association event room on Music Row.
Herbison primarily discussed the new Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, a bill updating Tennessee’s Protection of Personal Rights law to include protections for songwriters, performers, and music industry professionals’ voice from the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).
While Tennessee’s existing law protects name, image and likeness, it doesn’t specifically address new, personalized generative AI cloning models and services that enable human impersonation and allow users to make unauthorized fake works in the image and voice of others. Artists and musicians at all levels are facing exploitation and the theft of their integrity, identity, and humanity. This threatens the future of Tennessee’s creators, the jobs that they support across the state and country, and the bonds between fans and their favorite bands.
The ELVIS Act would be the first legislation of its kind in the nation to build upon existing state rule protecting against the unauthorized use of someone’s likeness by adding “voice” to the realm it protects.
Copyright Society of the South board of directors welcome Bart Herbison to its January 11 Event.
L to R: Brian Buchanan; Colin Rushing; Kari Barnhart; Bart Herbison; Aaron Hartley; John Barker; Kent Draughon.
The Copyright Society of the South was formed in 1988 in Nashville, Tennessee, consisting of music publishers, attorneys, music industry personnel, and academicians interested in the field of copyright law. Its mission is to provide a forum for study and discussion of domestic and international copyright law and other matters pertaining to the entertainment industry. It provides seminars, speakers, presentations, and the opportunity to present various points of view on subjects of interest to the membership. The Society refrains from taking a lobbying role or endorsing or sponsoring political positions or candidates. The Society also offers a scholarship awards program for students majoring in copyright-related fields.
Members are accepted into the organization by board vote. If you are interested in joining the Copyright Society of the South please email us at copyrightsocietyofthesouth@gmail.com . Please attach a PDF copy of your resume, CV, and/or bio in your email communication.
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