Voice actors protest unauthorized AI voice cloning
Over 180 Hong Kong voice actors protested unauthorized AI voice cloning following a viral parody video that used AI to recreate deceased actors' voices without permission. Meanwhile, Matthew McConaughey warned that AI threatens performer livelihoods, and Netflix's voice-acting contracts reportedly required performers to consent to AI voice training without additional pay.
What happened
Over 180 Hong Kong voice actors, including those who voiced characters in Doraemon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Crayon Shin-chan, signed a joint statement opposing unauthorized AI voice cloning on February 23, 2026.
The action was prompted by a viral parody animation clip of Doraemon depicting characters in a hot spring scene, distributed on Threads, which used AI voice synthesis to alter dialogue with voices of living and deceased voice actors without their consent.
The union statement declared opposition to any unauthorized recording, collection, use, modification, editing, or copying of voice samples for generative AI training or voice synthesis purposes.
Reported impact
Voice actors stated that AI voice cloning infringes on their sound rights, professional dignity, and creative autonomy, and damages the livelihoods of industry workers.
Meanwhile, actor Matthew McConaughey warned that AI is already eroding actors' livelihoods and urged performers to protect their voices, images, and trademarks from unauthorized AI use.
Netflix's new voice acting contracts reportedly required voice actors to consent to their recordings being used for AI training without additional compensation, prompting the German voice actors' association representing approximately 600 members to largely reject the terms.
Index analysis
The incidents span Hong Kong, the United States, and Germany, suggesting a global pattern of AI voice cloning affecting multiple jurisdictions and entertainment sectors.
The cases involve both overt unauthorized use of voice samples for AI synthesis and contractual terms attempting to legitimize such use without fair compensation to performers.
Governance controls
The Hong Kong Voice Actors Union reserved the right to pursue legal action including demands to cease infringement, compensation for damages, and public apologies.
Matthew McConaughey obtained eight trademark registrations related to his voice and likeness in recent months and advocated for industry-wide protection of performer identities.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.