More than 80 performers, including Matt Lucas, Hugh Bonneville and Nicola Coughlan, have urged the UK government to create a legal right for people to own their voices, protecting them from unauthorised AI cloning. They argue that rapidly improving voice-copying technology threatens performers’ livelihoods and personal identities, while the government says it will consult on addressing harms without stifling legitimate innovation.

The campaign was co-founded by audiobook narrator Alice Sockett, who says voice theft is increasing and calls the technology an existential threat to her industry. Supporters say current law does not fully protect voices, faces or identities, although AI voice replication can also help people who have lost their ability to speak, such as those with motor neurone disease.