SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to a new law advanced by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, artists will be protected if their songs or likenesses are stolen through the means of artificial intelligence (AI).

“In the last few years, we have seen an explosion of AI tools and AI-generated content, often created and distributed without authorization. While AI is a powerful tool with the potential to do much good, guardrails are necessary to protect artists and the general public,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “I’d like to thank the numerous groups who worked in collaboration to ensure this measure is effective including the Motion Picture Association, TechNet, the Software Alliance and more. This is an important piece of legislation that will help protect Illinois artists.”

House Bill 4875 creates a private right of action for the artist or music studio to sue when a digital replica of the individual was disseminated or made available publicly without authorization of the artist or music studio.

The law takes a balanced approach in dealing with the issue of the unauthorized use of digital replicas by protecting artists’ ability to control their voice, image and likeness while still providing necessary exemptions to allow for artistic creation. Additionally, HB 4875 targets bad actors while also providing safe harbor for those who unknowingly contribute to the distribution of such content.

“As an indie artist, every song I make is a piece of my soul. House Bill 4875 is not just legislation—it's a shield protecting that soul from being mimicked and monetized by unauthorized AI,” said Dani Deahl, a DJ, music producer and Chicago Chapter Recording Academy trustee. “It guarantees that our identities remain uniquely our own. This law ensures that as technology advances, it does so with respect for our rights and our very essence as creators.”

“Recording artists and musicians have never had an easy path, especially starting out. Their economic situation has gotten more precarious since the advent of generative artificial intelligence, which can recreate their likeness and voice to create new content without their involvement or knowledge,” said State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview). “House Bill 4875 gives artists a path to restitution when their likeness is used to generate profit without their authorization.”

House Bill 4875 was signed into law Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.