Flattering Offer, Dangerous Deal: The Truth About AI Voice Work

What Every Voice Actor Needs to Know Before Saying Yes to AI Work

Last week, I received an email from a reputable company. One of those well-established platforms dedicated to teaching languages remotely. As many of us in the voice-over industry know, these companies have long relied on voice talent from around the world to bring their courses to life.

Their email began with generous praise for my professional work, compliments that, I admit, were flattering to read. Then came the offer: an “exciting opportunity” to join a team of exceptional voice actors... to help train the next generation of audio AI models.

At first glance, the first few lines sounded like a prestigious and forward-thinking project. But as I read more carefully and reflected on the implications, I realized this wasn’t just another gig. It was something far more complicated and potentially harmful, not just to me but to our entire profession.

1. Loss of Control Over Your Voice

Once you provide your voice data, you may lose control over how it’s used — permanently.

• Companies can clone your voice and use it in ways you never approved.

• Your voice could end up in offensive, misleading, or politically sensitive content.

• AI clones can be reused indefinitely, long after your involvement ends.

Your voice is your identity. Don’t give away rights that can be exploited endlessly without your knowledge.

2. Exploitation Without Fair Compensation

Many AI jobs offer low, one-time payments, even though your voice may be used to create ongoing value for the company.

• You might receive a flat fee while your AI-cloned voice is used in countless global applications.

• These systems can replace you in future projects, cutting off repeat work or royalty income.

If a company profits from your voice long-term, you deserve compensation that reflects that value.

3. Fueling the Replacement of Human Talent

By licensing your voice to AI, you may unknowingly help develop systems that replace live performers.

• Your voice data can train models to mimic human nuance, tone, and emotion.

• Studios may start choosing AI over hiring actual voice actors to save time or money.

This contributes to shrinking job opportunities for yourself and your peers in the voice over industry.

4. Vague or Deceptive Contracts

AI-related contracts are often one-sided, unclear, and heavily favor the company’s interests.

• Many agreements grant perpetual rights to your voice, forever!

• Non-disclosure clauses can silence you, even if your voice is misused.

• You may not even be told how or where your voice will be used.

If you don’t fully understand the legal terms, don’t sign. Ambiguity benefits the buyer, not the artist.

5. Risk to Your Professional Reputation

If your cloned voice ends up in inappropriate or fraudulent content, your reputation can suffer.

• Your voice could be associated with spam, scams, political propaganda or adult material.

• Even if you didn’t record anything offensive, the audience might believe you did.

Once your voice is out there, you can't always control where or how it appears.

6. Ethical Concerns Around Consent and Transparency

Many AI projects blur ethical lines when it comes to consent, authenticity, and audience trust.

• Your voice might be used to mislead listeners into thinking it's a real human.

• AI voices are already being used in deepfakes and impersonation scams.

If you care about authenticity, consent, and the integrity of your craft, these jobs may not align with your values.

SAG-AFTRA’s Best Practices for AI Voice Work

If you're considering working in AI-related voice projects, follow these union-backed guidelines to stay protected:

1. Never sign away AI rights without union involvement.
Let SAG-AFTRA handle negotiations. Companies that approach you directly are bypassing proper legal channels.

2. Only accept AI voice work through union-approved agreements.
Use contracts like those with Replica Studios or Ethovox, which include strong protections.

3. Always demand clear, revocable consent.
Know exactly how, where, and for how long your voice will be used. Make sure you retain the right to withdraw consent later.

4. Report unauthorized use.
If you see your voice used without permission, or are asked to sign questionable agreements, report them to aiquestions@sagaftra.org.

5. Stay up to date with evolving laws and contracts.
Follow developments in union contracts and AI-related legislation at both state and federal levels.

Protect Your Voice, Your Rights, and Your Future

AI voice work can seem tempting, but the long-term risks often far outweigh the short-term benefits. From legal and financial issues to ethical and reputational concerns, voice actors must think carefully before giving away their most valuable asset: their voice.

Your voice is more than just a tool, it's your career, your brand and your legacy. Don’t let a single email or appealing contract compromise what you’ve worked so hard to build. Stay informed, stay empowered and always protect your rights.