Voice Cloning Tools Lack Safeguards - Consumer Reports

Voice Cloning Tools Lack Robust Security Measures

A recent study conducted by Consumer Reports indicates that numerous widely used voice cloning technologies currently available lack sufficient protective measures against fraudulent activities and potential misuse.

Investigation of Leading Voice Cloning Platforms

Consumer Reports undertook an investigation of voice cloning products offered by six prominent companies: Descript, ElevenLabs, Lovo, PlayHT, Resemble AI, and Speechify. The focus was to determine the presence of mechanisms designed to deter malicious actors from replicating an individual’s voice without explicit consent.

The findings revealed that only two of the companies examined – Descript and Resemble AI – actively implemented measures to mitigate potential abuse.

The remaining platforms relied primarily on user self-certification, such as requiring a simple checkbox confirmation asserting legal authorization for voice replication.

Potential for Impersonation Scams

Grace Gedye, a policy analyst with Consumer Reports, emphasized the risk that AI voice cloning tools pose in amplifying the effectiveness of impersonation scams if appropriate safeguards are not established.

“The assessment demonstrates that companies are capable of implementing fundamental security protocols to hinder unauthorized voice cloning,” Gedye stated. “However, a concerning number of companies are currently failing to do so.”

Key Findings Summarized

• Only Descript and Resemble AI demonstrated proactive measures against misuse.
• Most platforms depend on user attestation of legal rights.
• The lack of robust safeguards could exacerbate impersonation fraud.

AI voice cloning presents both opportunities and risks, and this study highlights the urgent need for stronger security protocols within the industry.