Tennessee governor, music leaders launch push to protect songwriters and other artists against AI
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has unveiled new legislation designed to protect songwriters, performers and other music industry professionals against the potential dangers of artificial intelligence
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Wednesday unveiled new legislation designed to protect songwriters, performers and other music industry professionals against the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
Lee made the announcement while standing in the middle of Nashville's famed RCA Studio A, a location where legends such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Charley Pride have all recorded. Packed inside were top music industry leaders, songwriters and lawmakers, all eager to praise the state's rich musical history while also sounding the alarm about the threats AI poses.
“Tennessee will be the first state in the country to protect artists’ voices with this legislation,” Lee said. “And we hope it will be a blueprint for the country.”
The legislation comes as states across the country and federal lawmakers wrestle with the challenge of curbing the dangers of AI. The bill hasn’t been formally introduced inside the Tennessee Legislature and the text of the proposal has yet to be publicly distributed.