The ElevenLabs Situation Is Crazy

AI Voice Cloning and Identity

Chris Williamson says he found an AI-generated narrator on ElevenLabs whose voice sounded strikingly like his, including distinctive features of his north-east England accent. The voice, called “Archer,” was used in a video about the disappearance of MH370.

The resemblance unsettled him further when he encountered other AI-made clips that appeared to use his voice to promote products and say things he would not endorse. He cites these examples to show how easily a voice clone could mislead audiences.

Williamson argues that a person’s voice is closely tied to identity, trust, and personal expression. Unauthorized imitations, he says, can damage someone’s reputation even when listeners know or suspect the audio is AI-generated. He believes voice cloning deserves the same seriousness as copying an artist’s work and may be especially risky because fabricated endorsements or statements can sound personal and credible.

ElevenLabs’ Response

ElevenLabs told Williamson that its voice-actor team had worked with a performer for Archer, that it had no reason to suspect fraud, and that a voice-similarity test showed a low match between Archer and Williamson. He says he was left unsure whether the company’s assessment was right or whether his own ears—and those of people who recognized the resemblance—were.

Archer was later removed from the platform, but Williamson says he does not know why.

Legal Questions

A copyright lawyer explains that US publicity-right laws may offer some protection when someone’s identity is appropriated for commercial purposes. However, the limits of those protections—especially for AI-generated voices—remain uncertain.

Courts may consider whether a reasonable listener would think the person was involved. The lawyer advises documenting evidence, including listener reactions and how the voice was used commercially.

Broader Concerns

Williamson’s broader concern is the lack of a reliable process for determining who owns a voice or whether it has been misused. He calls for greater public attention as legal cases proceed and new rules are considered, warning that similar uncertainty could affect people whose faces or loved ones’ voices are used without consent.

Presenters and Contributors

• Chris Williamson
• An unnamed copyright lawyer