Morgan Freeman, one of the most recognizable voices in global cinema, has taken a firm stand against the use of artificial intelligence to replicate his voice without permission. Speaking to ITV News, the 89-year-old actor characterized the practice as "theft," highlighting the dangers posed by the uncontrolled spread of deepfakes.
Voice as Professional Identity
For Freeman, his voice is not merely a biological trait but a critical component of his professional identity and economic livelihood. Having lent his narration to iconic productions such as "March of the Penguins" and "Our Universe," the actor emphasized that using his voice without his involvement amounts to financial exploitation.
"If you do it without me, you're robbing me," he stated, adding that while the technology is impressive, the lack of consent turns innovation into a crime. His legal team has already identified several instances of unauthorized use and is taking legal action.
The Challenge of Traceability
One of the primary issues Freeman raised is the difficulty of identifying the original source of deepfakes. As generative AI tools become increasingly accessible, creating realistic synthetic recordings and videos has become easier, making it nearly impossible to verify who is behind the creation or distribution of such content.
This issue has become a central point of conflict between the entertainment industry and technology companies. Actors and creators are demanding stronger guarantees for the protection of their digital likeness, as technology can now produce content without their physical presence.
Beyond Technology: A Passion for the Blues
Despite his battle with deepfakes, Freeman remains dedicated to his cultural pursuits. As co-owner of the Ground Zero Blues Club in Mississippi, he continues to support the tradition of blues music, which he describes as an expression of "pain, loss, and desire." Recently, he collaborated on an album with the British Chineke! Orchestra, proving that authentic artistic creation remains his priority.
