What's Happening?
ScotRail has introduced a new AI onboard announcer following a dispute over the unauthorized use of a voiceover artist's recordings. The previous AI announcer, named Iona, was developed using the voice of Gayanne Potter without her consent. Potter had
initially provided her voice for Swedish technology firm ReadSpeaker, believing it would be used for accessibility and e-learning purposes, not for commercial applications. In response to the controversy, ScotRail has replaced Iona with a new AI announcer based on the voice of Vannessa Sloan, a ScotRail employee. Sloan's voice was chosen after an internal selection process and is now being used on Class 380 trains, with a full rollout planned for 2026.
Why It's Important?
This development highlights the ethical considerations and potential legal implications surrounding the use of AI and voice technology. The unauthorized use of Gayanne Potter's voice underscores the challenges faced by creative professionals in protecting their work from being exploited by AI technologies. For ScotRail, the decision to use an employee's voice reflects a move towards more ethical practices and emphasizes the importance of transparency and consent in AI applications. This situation also raises broader questions about intellectual property rights and the need for clear regulations in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
What's Next?
ScotRail plans to continue the rollout of the new AI announcer across its fleet, with full implementation expected by 2026. The company may also face scrutiny from industry stakeholders and legal experts regarding the initial use of Potter's voice. This incident could prompt other organizations to review their AI development practices to ensure compliance with ethical standards and intellectual property laws. Additionally, there may be increased advocacy for stronger regulations to protect individuals' rights in the context of AI and digital technologies.
