David Attenborough, 98, 'deeply concerned' by AI replicas of his voice amid fans' concerns over TV return
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Sir David Attenborough is one of the most widely-recognised national treasures, having established his TV career over more than seven decades.
The 98-year-old broadcaster has voiced countless wildlife documentaries in that time and is highly educated on the natural world, making him a trusted staple of British TV. Therefore, the biologist is "deeply concerned" about the use of AI voice replicas posing as himself.
It comes as it has emerged online outlets in the US have been using Attenborough's distinctive voice to deliver news bulletins about certain topics, including the recent election and the war in Ukraine.
Following this, the beloved presenter explained he was shocked to hear about his voice being used.
"Having spent a lifetime time trying to speak what I believe to be the truth, I am profoundly disturbed to find that these days my identity is being stolen by others and greatly object to them using it to say what they wish," he told the BBC.
A news segment by the broadcaster recently showed viewers the AI recreation of Attenborough's voice next to a real recording of the naturalist speaking, demonstrating how similar the two are.
David Attenborough has stated he is 'deeply concerned'
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The AI-generated version has been found on a website, with several cloning the expert's voice.
It comes shortly after fans expressed their concern over Attenborough recently as one of his latest BBC documentaries aired earlier this year.
Titled Asia, the show was the one of the latest wildlife instalments from the biologist, but when it hit screens in May, Attenborough appeared on-screen rather than just narrating the show, and one feature left several viewers concerned.
Many suspected the footage was actually AI, with some noting there was something "off" about the clip.
David Attenborough spoke out after the 98-year-old's voice has been used in AI
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Some pointed out his voice sounded "different," while another described it as sounding "too young, too sprightly, too high-pitched."
The BBC insisted at the time that Attenborough had provided all vocal work on the show and that it was broadcast just as it was recorded.
In a statement to Metro, a spokesperson for the corporation said: "No AI or auto tune has been used on Sir David’s voice, which was recorded in exactly the same way it has been for years."
This summer, the legendary broadcaster's enormous reputation was demonstrated when he received a standing ovation as he sat in the royal box at Wimbledon.
As he took a seat next to David Beckham, the crowd got to their feet while the naturalist smiled happily.
Wimbledon's official X account shared the special moment the crowd showed their love for the veteran broadcaster, posting the clip along with the caption: "A wonderful moment on Centre Court as the crowd rises for Sir David Attenborough."
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David Attenborough has been on screens for decades
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Responding, more fans shared their appreciation for Attenborough, who has been on screens educating the nation since the 1950s.
"Wow. They're really lucky. Wonderful," one fan penned, while another commented: "I love him! His my long time teacher into the world of wonders!!!" (sic)
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