Martina McBride Appears Before Senate In Support Of ‘NO FAKES Act’

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Martina McBride. Photo: Tasos Katopodis

On May 21, Martina McBride testified in support of the bipartisan NO FAKES Act introduced by Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) at the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law hearing. This legislation would create a new federal property right for every individual’s voice and likeness while also establishing guardrails for responsible innovation, protecting the First Amendment, and giving victims of invasive AI deepfakes and voice clones effective recourse. Nearly 400 prominent artists, actors and performers have publicly supported this act.

Photo: Tasos Katopodis

“It’s been a special honor to record songs that shine a light on the battles many women fight, especially the terrible cost of domestic violence,” shared McBride. “Many fans have told me that the song “Independence Day” has given them strength and in some cases the song has been the catalyst that has made them realize they need to leave an abusive situation. Imagine the harm an AI deepfake could do breaching that trust, using my voice in songs that belittle or justify abuse. As an artist, a mother, a human being who cares about others, I am pleading with you to give me the tools to stop that kind of betrayal. Setting America on the right course to develop the world’s best AI while preserving the sacred qualities that make our country so special – authenticity, integrity, humanity and our endlessly inspiring spirit – that what the NO FAKES Act will help to accomplish.”

Photo: Tasos Katopodis

This approach to AI policy has notably earned support from the music industry, creative communities, child protection agencies, labor unions and tech companies including RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier, Consumer Reports Director of Technology Policy Justin Brookman, YouTube Head of Music Policy Suzana Carlos and National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) Senior Legal Counsel Christen Price who also participated in the hearing.

“[The NO FAKES Act] paves the way for genuine AI development and innovation, targeting only malicious applications and setting the stage for legitimate licensing of these rights, but only with real and meaningful consent. […] American music is the most valuable in the world. We lead in investment, exports and market power. Music drives the success of other important American industries, including the tech industry, through thriving partnerships,” said Glazier.

The NO FAKES Act is expected to next head for markup then a Senate floor vote.

Lauryn Sink
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