Tokyo court rules AI voice clones need permission
A Tokyo court ruled that voices are personal property like portraits, making unauthorised AI clones illegal in Japan for the first time.
Kenjiro Tsuda is a voice actor known for anime roles like Jujutsu Kaisen. Tsuda sued over a TikTok account using an AI clone of his voice.
The account posted over 180 videos about urban legends and paranormal activity. A judge ruled that voices are symbolic of individual personality and cannot be used without permission.
The ruling is the first time Japan has granted legal protection to voices. The TikTok account had over 200,000 subscribers before it was closed.
- Kenjiro Tsuda
- Plaintiff
- Aya Takahashi, Tokyo District Court
- Judge
- Nanami, over 180 videos
- Account name and videos
- Over 200,000 as of November 2025
- Account subscribers
Why it mattersAs AI voice cloning spreads, this ruling sets a legal precedent. People can now sue if their voice is used without permission.
AustraliaAustralian courts may follow similar reasoning as AI voice technology spreads, protecting Australian actors and broadcasters from voice theft.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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