The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has welcomed the Protection of Voice and Image Bill 2025, introduced by Malcolm Byrne TD and in particular the inclusion of music and artists within the focus of the proposed legislation.
The Bill, which seeks to create specific offences relating to the misuse of an individual’s name, photograph, voice or likeness enabled by AI, is an important and timely step in protecting creators and performers from unauthorised exploitation.
The recognition that a person’s voice is a distinctive and valuable part of their identity is particularly welcome. For songwriters, composers and performers, their voice, image and likeness are not only personal attributes, they are central to creative expression, professional reputation and a viable livelihood.
As AI tools become increasingly capable, the music sector faces a growing risk of unauthorised copying, impersonation and commercial exploitation. Legislation must be clear, strong and future-proofed so that music creators are not left exposed to misuse of their identity, voice or creative works.
Victor Finn, Chief Executive of IMRO, said: “IMRO strongly supports Deputy Malcolm Byrne’s Protection of Voice and Image Bill, commends its introduction to address the harmful misuse of a person’s voice, image and likeness. This is a particularly important issue for music creators, whose identities can now be replicated and exploited at an unprecedented speed and scale.
This is about more than preventing deepfakes. It is about protecting creative work, cultural integrity and the basic right of artists to control the use of their own voice and identity. AI innovation cannot be built on the exploitation of creators. Consent, transparency and copyright must be at the heart of Ireland’s legislative response.
Innovation in AI must go hand in hand with respect for copyright and we welcome the government’s intention to support the Bill. We call on legislators across the Oireachtas to also support this Bill. Music is one of Ireland’s great cultural and economic assets and the law must protect the people whose talent, efforts and creativity sustain it”.
IMRO looks forward to continuing our constructive engagement with Deputy Byrne and the relevant Oireachtas Committees to ensure the final legislation provides strong, practical protections for artists and creators while at the same time supporting responsible innovation.