Taylor Swift files to trademark voice and image after AI concerns

Taylor Swift has filed to trademark her own voice and image after growing concerns about AI.

• READ MORE: UK music industry responds to new government action preventing AI firms from using work without permission – but more needs to be done

The popstar has made three trademark applications in the US, seemingly to protect her likeness from AI copycats.

One application uses an image of her performing during the ‘Eras Tour‘, and the other two use audio clips of Swift saying “Hey, it’s Taylor” and “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift” while promoting her recent album ‘The Life of a Showgirl‘.

Swift has been the target of several AI deepfakes over the years, from viral graphic images originating from a 4chan challenge to President Donald Trump sharing AI-generated ‘Swifties for Trump’ images.

She follows figures like Matthew McConaughey in trademarking their voice to prevent AI from using it.

Taylor Swift has filed three trademark applications, seemingly aimed at protecting her voice and likeness from AI misuse. (via Variety)

The trademarks include a photograph of her holding a guitar on stage and two voice recordings of her saying “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift” and “Hey,… pic.twitter.com/EXYLMxJOiS

— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 27, 2026

The UK Government has responded to concerns about AI by banning AI firms from using artists’ work without permission – but figures from the UK music industry have insisted that “more needs to be done”. 

The ban follows esteemed artists like Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Dua Lipa and Elton John urging the government to protect artists’ work from being ripped off, after the government previously put forward controversial plans to change copyright rules to let AI firms “steal” copyrighted works without paying or seeking consent from music creators, writers and artists.

The Ivors Academy, for instance, called for the government to “deliver a framework where AI companies license creative works with authorisation from creators, pay fair remuneration and provide transparency to creators and listeners alike” and “introduce new personality rights to protect songwriters and composers from AI-generated replicas of their voices and identities”.

Elsewhere, Grimes has teased her new album ‘Psy Opera’ made without generative AI – but added that AI is “bigger than Jesus” and “the most dangerous thing that’s ever going to happen”.

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