Radio host David Greene has taken legal action against Google. He claims the tech giant copied his voice for its NotebookLM AI tool. This news, reported by the Washington Post, highlights growing concerns around voice replication and the use of personal likeness in artificial intelligence.
Greene, a former co-host of NPR’s Morning Edition and current host of the Left, Right, & Center podcast at KCRW, was alerted to the NotebookLM tool by a colleague. Upon discovering how it automatically generates podcasts, he was understandably alarmed.
In his lawsuit, filed on January 23 in California, Greene argues that Google tried to recreate his unique voice, which he has built over years in radio and public commentary. He asserts this was done without his consent and violates California’s laws on publicity and unfair competition. Greene believes that Google is unfairly profiting from his recognizable voice and persona.
In response, Google stated that the claims are unfounded. A spokesperson said that the male voice featured in NotebookLM was created using a professional actor, not Greene.
The topic of AI and voice likeness is increasingly controversial. Just last year, OpenAI removed its AI voice, Sky, amid accusations of unauthorized use of Scarlett Johansson’s likeness. This led to a wave of lawsuits against major tech companies for similar ethical concerns.
Moreover, the debate around copyright and likenesses in AI training data is intensifying. According to a recent survey, nearly 60% of Americans express concern about how companies use personal data for AI technologies. Greene’s case is just one of many that illustrate the balancing act between innovation and ethical practices in technology.
As AI continues to evolve, discussions around these issues will likely grow, impacting both creators and consumers in the digital landscape. For more information on these developments, you can read about similar controversies here.
