ElevenLabs CEO says voice AI will change everything. Can it be controlled?
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski discusses the transformative potential of voice AI, which can generate lifelike voices from a short audio sample. The technology has applications in dubbing, education, and accessibility, such as helping individuals regain speech after loss. However, the conversation also highlights the risks associated with voice AI, including its misuse for fraud, disinformation, and psychological operations. Staniszewski emphasizes the need for robust safety measures, detection tools, and partnerships with governments to address these concerns.
The interview delves into how voice AI crosses ethical lines, particularly in cases like deepfakes and cloning voices without consent, such as the example of Al Jazeera anchor Neave Barker. While the technology offers benefits, it also raises questions about control and ownership when voices become digital assets. Staniszewski discusses efforts to regulate this space, including collaborations with governments on initiatives like Ukraine’s push for an “agentic state,” which aims to balance innovation with accountability.
The broader implications of voice AI are significant, as the technology blurs the lines between human identity and software. This raises critical questions about who controls digital representations of speech and what rights individuals retain in this new frontier. The discussion underscores the need for global cooperation to establish ethical guidelines and ensure that voice AI serves humanity without compromising individual freedoms or security.
For readers interested in global tech developments, this conversation is essential as it explores both the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies. Voice AI has the potential to revolutionize industries while also threatening societal stability if not properly managed. The intersection of technology, ethics, and governance highlighted in the interview makes it a key topic for understanding future innovations and their implications.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026