| 英文摘要 |
The current legal framework for voice protection in Japan is deemed ineffective, particularly in cases involving distinctive celebrity voices and the misuse of ordinary voices for criminal activities such as fraud and extorsion. The uncertainty regarding legal liability for imitating celebrities in commercial uses adds complexity. While AI technology exploits ordinary voices for criminal purposes, recording conversations without permission is permitted. This situation necessitates urgent research on how voices are legally protected in Japan and globally. The paper delves into Japan’s voice protection laws, followed by an analysis of the United States’legal landscape, emphasizing rights of publicity and laws against unauthorized recording. The author proposes four criteria for protecting celebrity voices: (1) the voice is widely known, (2) the voice is used for a commercial purpose, (3) the voice is imitated intentionally, and (4) the imitations are similar enough for consumers to mistake them for the person’s actual voice. To safeguard ordinary voices, recording conversations without permission by business operators should be prohibited to prevent voice database creation. However, victims should retain the right to record conversations with potential criminals as evidence in cases of extortion, fraud, or harassment. |
