The Russian legislative landscape appears poised to expand its approach to digital voice technology. A senior official, Artem Sheikin, who has held roles tied to the Council for the Development of the Digital Economy under the Federation Council, indicated that a draft bill is being prepared to introduce the concept of sound synthesis using artificial intelligence into national law. The aim is to ensure that sounds, like images, receive equivalent protection under the law. This development was reported by the publication News, presenting it as a formal legislative effort under consideration in Russia.
According to the senator involved, the proposed legislation would address legal situations that arise when a person’s voice is synthesized or produced with artificial intelligence technologies. The plan is to amend the Civil Code of Russia to include a clear definition of sound synthesis, establish protections for an individual’s voice, and set out liability rules for producing a soundtrack that imitates someone’s voice without proper authorization. The essence of the proposal is to create a framework that prevents misrepresentation or unauthorized use of a person’s vocal identity and to outline consequences for those who misuse AI-generated voices in ways that could harm the individual’s rights or reputation.
The newspaper further explained that should an article protecting voices become part of the Civil Code, the publication or use of recordings without the citizen’s consent would be prohibited. Even after a person’s death, consent from close family members such as children, a spouse, or parents would be required to authorize continued exposure. Additionally, the voice owner could demand the removal of any internet-distributed recording that was shared without consent, reinforcing control over one’s vocal likeness in the digital sphere and offering a remedy for unauthorized online use.
Artem Sheikin, who previously served as Deputy Chairman of the Council for the Development of the Digital Economy and maintained ties to the Federation Council, also noted that Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, announced plans to block virtual private network services within the country, with a date set for March 1, 2024. This signaling of regulatory action coincides with broader concerns over digital privacy, security, and the governance of online tools that enable circumvention of state controls.
The evolving policy discussions are part of a broader trend toward tightening oversight on digital identifiers and authentication mechanisms, including attempts to curb schemes that exploit SIM cards for fraudulent activity. These developments underscore the tension between technological innovation and the necessity to protect individuals from misuse, identity theft, or deceptive practices in a rapidly expanding AI-powered communication landscape. Observers in Canada and the United States may watch the Russian approach as a potential reference point for future debates on consent, control, and accountability when synthetic voices and other biometric-like data are involved. The overall trajectory emphasizes clearer legal boundaries and more robust avenues for recourse when rights are breached through artificial voice replication or related digital techniques.