According to published reports, George Carlin’s estate reached a settlement regarding right of publicity and copyright claims stemming from an AI-scripted comedy special featuring a “sound-alike” of Carlin performing the generated script. Titled “I’m Glad I’m Dead,” the special aimed to simulate Carlin’s commentary on contemporary events since his passing in 2008. While the specifics of the settlement remain confidential, it stands as one of the initial resolutions concerning these issues.
Per the plaintiff’s counsel, the defendants, as part of the settlement, agreed to permanently remove the comedy special and refrain from reposting it on any platform. Additionally, they committed not to utilize Mr. Carlin’s likeness, voice, or image without explicit approval from the estate. Notably, the settlement’s terms do not indicate any monetary damages awarded.
In the complaint, the plaintiff alleged that the defendants violated Carlin’s rights of publicity by appropriating his name, image, and likeness. Furthermore, they were accused of unlawfully using copyrighted material to develop and train an AI dataset aimed at mimicking Carlin’s stand-up comedy, thus infringing on the estate’s exclusive copyright rights.
DC IP Lawyers note that although this settlement doesn’t establish legal precedent, it signifies a successful legal challenge against an AI-generated deepfake of a celebrity. Other cases involving similar issues are currently pending, with more expected to arise.
The rise of AI-generated celebrity deepfakes has sparked growing regulatory concerns. Efforts such as the FTC’s proposal to combat AI impersonation of individuals indicate a recognition of the need for protective measures. Moreover, governmental agencies like the NSA are addressing the deepfake threat due to its broader implications.
Certain AI platforms are proactively implementing content moderation systems to detect and prevent deepfake creation attempts. Additionally, technology-based solutions like filters are being developed and refined. However, while regulatory and technological approaches are valuable, they alone cannot swiftly resolve the issue.
For now, the most effective recourse for celebrities facing deepfakes that infringe upon their rights of publicity or copyrights is prompt legal action. This specific lawsuit was initiated on January 25, 2024, with a joint stipulation for a permanent injunction filed on April 2, 2024.