HK voice actors take stand against unauthorised AI voice training

Over 180 Hong Kong voice actors have released a joint statement opposing the unauthorised use of their voice samples for artificial intelligence (AI) training and synthesis.

This follows the rise of AI voice software and narration generators, which have sparked concerns over the use of voice samples from actors and broadcasters to train AI, potentially infringing on the rights of professionals in the voice acting industry and related fields.

The statement from the Labour Union of Dubbing of Hong Kong (香港配音從業員工會) posted on its Facebook page declared that no organisation, enterprise, or individual may record, collect, use, modify, edit, or reproduce the voice samples of the declarants in any form for the purposes of generative AI training, simulation, voice synthesis, or other similar technologies without the explicit written consent from the individual or the union. 

If there is any violation, the union reserves the right to pursue legal liability in accordance with the law, including but not limited to demanding cessation of infringement, compensation for losses, and a public apology, according to the statement. “We firmly oppose any unauthorised capture and use of voice data, regarding such actions as a serious infringement upon voice rights, professional dignity, and creative autonomy.”

Signatories include Sharon Leung Siu-ha, known for voicing the character Shizuka in the Cantonese version of "Doraemon," and prominent voice actor Anakin Wong Wing-cheung.

The statement has received over 640 likes, 30 comments, and 80 shares from netizens discussing AI voice software, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE confirmed. While some expressed support for voice actors without opposing AI-generated voices, others said that many AI videos only create short, humorous clips by infringing on others' work.

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In fact, this move follows similar tensions worldwide. Recently, streaming giant Netflix entered a heated confrontation with the German dubbing industry after introducing new contract terms in early 2026 requiring voice actors to agree to the use of their recordings for AI training without additional compensation. The German Voice Actor Association (VDS) stated this effectively forces actors to "sign away their own replacement," with the vast majority of members refusing to sign.

VDS has also launched a grassroots boycott against Netflix over a contract clause that allows the streaming platform to use their recordings for AI training, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, Netflix has sent a letter to German voice actors saying their concerns stem from a misunderstanding of how the company intends to use the recordings and invited the VDS to an informal discussion, the association's chairperson, Anna-Sophia Lumpe, said on Tuesday.

VDS has also initiated a grassroots boycott against Netflix due to a contract clause that permits the streaming platform to use their recordings for AI training, according to Reuters. In response, Netflix has sent a letter to German voice actors, stating that its concerns arise from a misunderstanding of how the company plans to use the recordings. The company has also invited the VDS to an informal discussion, according to the report. 

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