September 25th, 2024

Elecrow responded, apologized for AI voice cloning

Jeff Geerling addressed unauthorized use of his voice by Elecrow, which apologized, removed the videos, and committed to better training. Geerling proposed compensation, emphasizing responsible AI use and accountability.

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Elecrow responded, apologized for AI voice cloning

Jeff Geerling recently addressed the unauthorized use of his voice in YouTube tutorials by Elecrow, an electronics company. He expressed his concerns about AI voice cloning, emphasizing that it is unacceptable for a corporation to use someone's voice without consent. After posting a video about the incident, Elecrow's CEO, Richard Lee, promptly responded with an apology, acknowledging the infringement and explaining that a junior employee, lacking proper training, was responsible for the mistake. Elecrow took immediate action by removing the videos in question and committing to improve their internal training and content review processes to prevent future issues. Geerling proposed a compensation of $2,500, with plans to donate a portion to support ostomy awareness. He appreciated Elecrow's quick response and willingness to take responsibility, contrasting it with the often evasive behavior of tech companies in similar situations. Geerling also highlighted the ease of voice cloning technology, which raises concerns about potential misuse. He concluded that while AI can be a powerful tool, it must be used responsibly, and accountability is essential to mitigate risks associated with its misuse.

- Elecrow apologized for using Jeff Geerling's voice without consent in their tutorials.

- The company removed the videos and committed to improving training and content review processes.

- Geerling proposed a compensation plan, intending to donate part of it to ostomy awareness.

- The incident highlights the risks associated with AI voice cloning technology.

- Geerling advocates for responsible use of AI and accountability for misuse.

Link Icon 5 comments
By @andrewstuart - 7 months
When people or companies have done something stupid I feel like step one is to privately contact the CEO and person who made the mistake and ask them to fix it.

People who know no better might be making foolish but non malicious mistakes in their career. At least it’s worth giving a chance for the boss/person who made the mistake to clean it up.

Get an unsatisfactory response? Sure, do a public name and shame to the internet.

The issue with the name and shame is that a foolish mistake can lead to sackings and lives changes. I’d be cautious about doing it without playing out other angles to determine level of maliciousness and willingness to fix it.

I do understand the shock anger and indignity of having your voice stolen, and I have no idea what steps Jeff took to quietly get it fixed in private. Even so, people make foolish mistakes, be cautious about summoning the internet mob.

By @hysan - 7 months
Previous HN thread for context: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41614490

For those who prefer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHuPWQz9AlI

By @Lerc - 7 months
Surprisingly well handled by all concerned.

It's nice to see a resolution without everyone jumping to maximum aggression as a first step.