| Voice Cloning Challenge Proposed by FTC to Test AI Technology The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed a new challenge for developers that aims to test the capabilities of voice cloning Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. The FTC is requesting that developers create a system that clones vocal patterns and can be applied to audio recordings with digital voices. The competition, called the “Voice Cloning Challenge” will involve developers creating a model that can learn from audio samples of voices and be applied to audio recordings with digital voices. This model must be able to “generate a synthetic audio file that sounds like the original voice.” The challenge will be run in three phases: the first phase will focus on working with existing audio data; the second phase will involve expressing the voice of the clone model in an AI-created audio track; and the third phase will involve applying the clone model to a variety of audio recordings. Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, a law firm that specializes in litigation and technology, will provide legal counsel to the FTC for the duration of the challenge. This includes providing advice on legal matters with regard to the challenge and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The FTC hopes that this challenge will help to advance the development of AI technology, specifically voice cloning, and help to ensure that it is used and operated safely and ethically. The Voice Cloning Challenge is an important step to understanding the potential and risks associated with AI technology. |