In 2025, cloning a voice is legal only if you have consent or if it is your own voice. Using AI to mimic a celebrity or public figure for commercial gain or defamation is illegal and punishable under emerging “Right of Publicity” laws (like the ELVIS Act in Tennessee).
YouTube’s 2025 AI Disclosure Rules
YouTube now strictly enforces “Altered Content” labels.
- Mandatory: You must check the “Altered Content” box in YouTube Studio if you use AI to simulate a realistic person’s voice.
- The Consequence: Failure to disclose can lead to your video being removed or your channel being demonetized.
- Exception: You generally do not need to disclose if you use clearly unrealistic/robotic voices for effect.
Can You Copyright AI Audio?
Currently, the US Copyright Office states that AI-generated content cannot be copyrighted because it lacks human authorship.
- What this means: You own the script you wrote, but you likely do not own the specific AI-generated audio file. Someone could theoretically rip that audio and use it without a copyright strike (though this is a developing legal gray area).
Best Practices to Stay Safe
Label your content: “Voice generated by AI” in the description.
Never clone a celebrity for an ad or sponsorship.
Always get written permission if cloning an employee’s or friend’s voice.
