Veteran actor Michael Caine has contributed his voice to a research initiative aimed at combating the spread of AI-generated deepfake audio. At 93 years old, Caine recorded samples to assist a study evaluating how well people can distinguish between authentic human speech and synthetic voices created by artificial intelligence.

The project, led by Dr. Ben Gibb-Reid of the University of York, seeks to analyze specific linguistic characteristics that might serve as indicators of genuine speech. The findings are intended to bolster efforts to protect voice rights and prevent the misuse of vocal identities online.

Caine expressed his support for the initiative, stating that he was glad to contribute if it could help safeguard the public from potentially harmful deepfakes. His participation aligns with a broader campaign known as Save Our Voices Now, which recently gained backing from actors including Hugh Bonneville. The campaign calls on the government to introduce regulations requiring AI companies to obtain permission before using individuals’ voices to create synthetic audio.

The rise of deepfake technology has raised concerns over fraud, misinformation, and identity theft. By involving notable figures like Caine and Bonneville, the campaign aims to highlight the risks of unregulated voice replication and advocate for strengthened legal protections. The University of York’s research is part of ongoing efforts to better understand how AI-generated speech can be identified and mitigated in public and private communications.