Google's AI Voice Scandal: Did NotebookLM Steal David Greene's Identity?

The Allegations

David Greene, the former NPR host and creator of the popular podcast 'In the Dark', has filed a lawsuit against Google . He claims that the 'Deep Dive' feature in Google's NotebookLM uses a voice that is eerily similar to his own, specifically referencing his unique cadence, tone, and delivery style. According to Greene, the AI host sounds like a direct copy of his on-air persona.

Google's Defense

Google has officially responded to the allegations, stating that the voice in question was created using a professional voice actor hired specifically for the project. The company asserts that the AI model was not trained on Greene's voice recordings or intended to impersonate him. They emphasize that any similarity is coincidental and a result of the 'generic podcast host' style that NotebookLM aims to replicate.

The Bigger Picture

This case mirrors the recent controversy involving Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI's 'Sky' voice. As AI voice generation becomes more advanced, the line between generic vocal styles and specific impersonation becomes increasingly blurred. This lawsuit raises significant legal and ethical questions about the rights of individuals over their voice likeness in the age of generative AI. You can read more details at the Washington Post .