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Is AI voice cloning legal in the UK?
Short answer
Cloning your own voice, or someone's voice with their clear permission, is generally lawful. Cloning someone else's voice without consent can break UK data protection law and, depending on use, copyright, performers' rights, passing off or fraud law. The UK has no specific law on voice or likeness yet; the government has said it will consult on digital replicas.
Where the law stands
- Data protection. A voice recording of an identifiable person is personal data. Where voice is used to identify someone, the ICO treats it as biometric data, which needs an extra condition such as explicit consent.
- Copyright and performers' rights protect recordings and performances, not a voice itself.
- Fraud and impersonation. Using a cloned voice to deceive someone, for example to request a payment, is a crime whatever tool is used.
- No personality right. Unlike France and some other European countries, the UK doesn't give people a general right over their likeness. Lawyers quoted by the BBC in June 2026 called current law a "patchwork".
The government told the BBC it would launch a consultation on how to address harms from digital replicas. Check for updates before you rely on this page.
Using voice cloning in your business
- Use your own voice, or a stock AI voice licensed for commercial use.
- If you clone a staff member's voice, get written consent that says what it's for and lets them withdraw it.
- Tell customers when they're hearing an AI voice. See do I have to tell customers I use AI?
Protecting yourself from voice scams
Agree a check for payment requests made by phone, such as calling back on a known number. Treat urgent requests to change bank details with suspicion.
Related questions
What is AI voice cloning?
Software that learns a voice from short recordings and can then say new words in that voice.
Can I use an AI voice for my voicemail greeting?
Yes, with a licensed voice or your own. See our guide to AI voicemail greetings.
Sources
- ICO: how do we process biometric data lawfully?
- BBC News: Warning as AI clones voices and law falls behind, 26 June 2026
Checked 17 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
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- Can ChatGPT do my tax return?
- Can ChatGPT write a contract?
- Do I have to tell customers I use AI?
- Does HMRC use AI?
- How can solicitors use AI in the UK?
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