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In a significant development in the ongoing debate over AI-generated voices, veteran American broadcaster David Greene has filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the company used a voice closely resembling his own in its NotebookLM tool.

Greene, known for hosting NPR’s “Morning Edition” for many years, noticed the similarity after receiving messages from friends, colleagues, and family members pointing out the striking resemblance. According to Greene, the AI-generated voice not only mimics his tone but also replicates his rhythm, intonation, and even certain speech fillers such as “uh,” arguing that his voice is an integral part of his professional and personal identity.

Currently hosting “Left, Right, & Center” on KCRW, Greene considers his voice a vital element in delivering his content. NotebookLM, developed by Google, allows users to generate podcast-like audio content with AI-powered virtual hosts. Greene’s lawsuit raises concerns about personal voice rights and identity in the era of AI-generated media.

Google has denied any connection between Greene’s voice and the AI-generated voice, stating that the male voice in the Audio Overviews feature is based on a performance by a contracted professional voice actor. Nevertheless, the case reignites discussions about the intersection of voice synthesis, intellectual property rights, and personal identity.

Legal Challenges
Previous incidents have highlighted the legal complexities of AI voice replication. Companies like OpenAI previously removed AI-generated voices following objections from performers, including Scarlett Johansson, who claimed their voices were used without consent.

As AI tools increasingly permeate media production and audio content creation, legal disputes over voice identity and usage rights are expected to rise, underscoring the need for clear frameworks to balance technological innovation with intellectual property protection.