The Benefits and Challenges of AI Voice Technology

Today, and November 12th annually, is AI Voice Utilization Day AI音声活用の日 in Japan. The commemorative day was registered with the Japan Anniversary Association by Coefont, a company that develops AI voice technology. They company selected November 12th because it marks its founding anniversary.

I am not a fan of AI, so hearing the words "AI" and "utilization" in the same sentence makes me uneasy. There has been considerable controversy surrounding AI-generated music, including voice generation. I'm also concerned about the misuse of AI technology to recreate the voices of famous people without their knowledge or permission.

However, I can recognize that AI voice technology also offers benefits. It can improve accessibility, assist with communication, and create new opportunities for content creation. This anniversary seeks to promote the responsible and ethical use of voice technology.

AI Voice Utilization Day serves as an opportunity to reflect on both the benefits and challenges of synthetic speech while exploring the possibilities that future innovations may bring.