The Battle Against Illegal AI Use: Norwegian Collaboration Strengthens Artists' Digital Rights

To protect artists and the future of the music industry in the digital realm, Norwegian innovators VoiceBank AS and FaceBank, in collaboration with It Is Me AS, the law firm GjessingReimers, and consultancy firm QUARKS AS, are launching a new platform designed to give artists control over their digital identity. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing the numerous challenges presented by AI technologies, ensuring that artists retain control over their voice, images, and videos. Additionally, the platform offers the opportunity to quality-assure and facilitate commercial use of identity as a personal brand, face, and voice.

"We believe that all use of digital identity in AI generation should be verified with secure owner identification. We aim to ensure that artists and other users regain control over their digital

identity," says Julie Bodd Jenssen, CEO of It Is Me AS. "We have the right team with an understanding of security, legal requirements, artificial intelligence, and experts in the music and entertainment industry that we will now focus on. We are also very proud to work with the best lawyers in intellectual property and privacy who play a central role in the challenges and

opportunities AI brings in relation to ownership of digital identity," adds Julie Bodd Jenssen.

A New Era for Digital Rights and Security for Artists

The music industry stands at a crossroads, where AI technologies offer both incredible opportunities and significant challenges. The emergence of artificial intelligence raises concerns across the creative sectors, especially regarding unauthorized use and manipulation of digital identity. This collaboration addresses these challenges by offering a robust and secure platform supported by comprehensive legal agreements and assistance, ensuring that artists' rights are protected in the digital age.

Empowering Artists with Control and Security

The initiative from VoiceBank AS and It Is Me AS is not just about technology; it's about giving

artists control. "Our goal is to create a secure platform for artists, where they can offer their voice and identity with legal support for commercial use. This includes licensing of voice, face, and personal brand, and by integrating security measures and legal protection, we are setting a new

standard for handling digital identity in the music industry," says Geir E. Osnes, Chairman of VoiceBank AS.

Addressing the Ethical Implications of AI

The collaboration also aims to lead the conversation about the ethical use of AI. "As we have

seen, the use of AI can pose significant ethical dilemmas, especially when it comes to personal expression," adds Julie Bodd Jenssen. "Our platform is designed with these challenges in mind, helping to ensure that artists are respected and protected."

An Invitation to Action

It Is Me AS and VoiceBank AS invite the entire music and entertainment industry to come together to protect digital rights. "We want to gather all artists, producers, and other stakeholders

in the music and entertainment industry to join this initiative," says Petter Singsaas, board member of VoiceBank AS. Visit voicebank.itisme.ai and register your interest.

About VoiceBank 
AS VoiceBank and FaceBank will represent, manage, and protect your voice and identity and facilitate AI-based use and value creation.

VoiceBank AS was established by industry veterans Petter Singsaas, Lars Kilevold, and Geir E. Osnes.

Petter Singsaas is a key figure who has had a long journey in the Norwegian music industry, a journey that spans from a messenger boy in Arne Bendiksen's record company in the early 80s to CEO of Universal Music Norway from 1994 to 2017. Petter managed all transitions in Universal until streaming services took over around 2010. Since 2017, he has run his own label management

"Vitamin AS", which works with selected artists and industry projects. Petter is a board member of It Is Me AS.

Lars Kilevold has been a significant and creative figure in the music industry since 1980, primarily as an artist, songwriter, and producer. Lars is also a resourceful entrepreneur and product developer and has been involved in starting music-related tech companies such as Freetrax, UGC, and IndigoBoom.

Geir E. Osnes is the chairman, impresario, and business developer and has since the late 80s been involved in starting, changing, and running nearly thirty companies in advertising, media, and entertainment. Geir manages his commitment through the company Skyskraper Holding and is today a working chairman in companies such as IndigoBoom AS, Teigen Total AS, Both And AS, Even More AS, Skyskraper Artist AS, and VoiceBank AS.

About It Is Me AS
It Is Me aims to create a safer digital environment for everyone. We want to ensure the way people interact with their digital identity by providing a platform that protects both individuals and brands.

Our team consists of five entrepreneurs with extensive experience in law, marketing, financial services, innovation, artificial intelligence, data, security, and IT development. We have a strategic collaboration with GjessingReimers for legal assistance and with QUARKS for service development.

Edmond Yang is the Creative Chief Officer at It Is Me AS. Edmond is an interdisciplinary visual designer, working at the intersection of technology, visual communication, and design for over 20 years. He has worked with major brands such as Helly Hansen, Telenor, Sony Music, Nike, Pepsi, and Alan Walker. Edmond is also a speaker on generative AI for many companies and agencies. He loves to leverage technology to create unique user experiences and opportunities.

Julie Bodd Jenssen is the CEO of It Is Me AS. She has 15 years of experience as a business lawyer. Julie holds a Master of Laws from UiO, an LL.M. in International Business Law from Vanderbilt University, and an Executive MBA in Financial Management and Leadership from NHH. She is a licensed attorney in Norway and the USA, including New York. Julie is also a partner at the law firm Law.no and has previous entrepreneurial experience and work experience from Grette Law Firm, Handelsbanken, Danske Bank, and Neonomics. Julie has a particular interest in the intersection of technology and law and is focused on finding opportunities in the regulations rather than just seeing limitations. Julie sits as a board member of VoiceBank AS.

Jørgen H. Mathiesen is the COO of It Is Me AS. He has seven years of experience with digitalization projects as a consultant at QUARKS, Gritera, and Capgemini, as well as experience as a financial manager at Aon (formerly cut-e). In addition to his corporate roles, Jørgen has been involved in several startups, including QUARKS, where he currently leads the company.

Jørgen's expertise lies in data, digitalization journeys, and business development. He is a pragmatic problem solver with a focus on users and sustainable solutions. Jørgen holds a master's degree in finance and quantitative analysis using artificial intelligence. Jørgen serves as the chairman of the board at It Is Me AS.

Geir Mjøsund is the CTO of It Is Me AS. With a career spanning over two decades, Geir has established himself as a leading CTO and entrepreneur. He has a background from Apple, Blizzard, and IBM, as well as running startups within AI and blockchain. Geir has developed several successful startup companies, with support from companies like Antler. He focuses on new technology and innovation in synergy with business development.

Narve Hansen is the Chief Commercial Officer at It Is Me AS. With over 30 years of experience in the financial sector, Narve has broad experience as a leader and consultant in innovation, product development, sales, and marketing. He also has extensive experience as an entrepreneur in both Latin America and the Nordic region. Narve has worked with companies such as Antler, Norwegian Offshore Wind, BankAxept, Vipps, Willis, Skandiabanken, Huawei, Gjensidig, and Orkla Finans. Narve is a board member of VoiceBank AS.