3 Count: ELVIS Impersonation

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1: Tennessee Becomes First State to Enact Law That Protects Musicians From AI

First off today, Eileen AJ Connelly at The Wrap reports that the state of Tennessee has signed the ELVIS Act into law, which it hopes will help protect musicians, and other celebrities, from the misuse of their voice or sound by artificial intelligence systems.

The act, which stands for Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security, is an extension of the state’s current laws regarding the use of likeness, name or image by adding “voice” to the list. The stated goal is to prevent AI systems from creating clones of musicians and other creators without the permission of the person or their estate.

The state’s governor, Bill Lee, signed the law into effect last week. He further encouraged other states and the federal government to follow Tennessee’s lead in this area.

2: Judge Blocks 8M Telegram Users After Platform Failed to Help Identify Pirates

Next up today, Andy Maxwell at Torrentfreak writes that, in Spain, a judge handed down an order requiring local ISPs to block some 8 million Telegram users from using the service, though that order has since been suspended.

The move came as part of a private criminal prosecution that sees a collection of local rightsholders seeking information on illegal streaming services. They claim that Telegram has been uncooperative in helping them identify the sellers and marketers of such services.

The order would have meant that some 8 million Telegram users based in Spain would have lost access to the service. However, after a public outcry, the order has been suspended. Now the government is seeking additional feedback on the impacts of such a suspension to determine if it is appropriate for the situation.

3: Universal Music Settles Rock Artists’ US Copyright Lawsuit

Finally today, Blake Brittain at Reuters reports that a group of rock musicians have settled an ongoing lawsuit with Universal Music Group, bringing an end to their long-running battle over copyright termination.

The musicians, who included Syd Straw, had previously filed for copyright termination, an element of the Copyright Act that allows creators to terminate licenses and agreements after a set period of time. However, Universal had argued that copyright termination did not apply as the works were made for hire, meaning that Universal was the rightful owner.

The musicians had sought class action status in the case but were denied. Now the two sides have reached a confidential settlement, bringing the matter to a close. No further details have been announced.

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