Apple and audiobook distributor Findaway Voices said they will no longer use audiobook files to train machine learning models.
The decision comes after some voiceover artists said they were not made aware that their voice data could be used for Apple's AI training.
- The companies reportedly decided to halt the practice after discussing the issue with SAG-AFTRA, a union representing voice artists and other creators.
- Specifically,
the audiobook company will no longer give Apple access to voice files,
which Apple could use to train new AI models, which could do voiceover
work in place of human actors.
- Spotify-owned Findaway had
included a clause in some author contracts that gave Apple the ability
to use the voices without a license "for machine learning training and
models" unless that author opted out.
- Some actors and authors
said they were not made specifically aware of the clause when they
signed their contracts. Many have asked to opt out of a program that
could replace their careers.
- Apple recently began allowing writers and publishers on its Books platform to have their writings converted into an audio format using AI.
- These
AI-narrated audiobooks are available in the Apple Books Store. Apple
says the narration can help independent authors who may not be able to
convert to audio due to "the cost and complexity of production."
