Consumer reports find popular vocal cloning tools lack guarantees

Several popular vocal cloning tools on the market do not have “significant” guarantees to prevent fraud or abuses, According to a new study by Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports surveyed vocal cloning products of six companies – Descript, Elevenlabs, Lovo, Playht, resemble AI and distribution – for mechanisms that could make it more difficult for malicious users to clone someone’s voice without their permission. The publication revealed that only two, descriptions and resembling AI, took measures to fight against improper use. Others only demanded that users check a box confirming that they had the legal right to clone a voice or make a similar self-assurance plate.

Grace Gedye, a political analyst at Consumer Reports, said that AI voice cloning tools have the potential to “overeat” identity scams if adequate security measures are not implemented.

“Our assessment shows that there are basic steps that companies can take to make someone more difficult to clone someone’s voice – but some companies do not take them,” Gedye said in a statement.