Krisp’s AI accent converter transforms speech to American English, aiding call center communication

Krisp’s new AI Accent Conversion tool represents a significant development in audio processing technology, allowing users to transform their accents into American English during real-time conversations. While addressing legitimate communication challenges in global workplaces, the technology raises important questions about cultural identity, authenticity in communication, and the broader implications of AI-mediated speech modification in professional environments.

How it works: Krisp’s new AI tool converts a speaker’s accent to American English in real time with a 200ms latency across major video conferencing platforms.

• The technology preserves the speaker’s natural voice while modifying their accent, though demo versions showed somewhat robotic-sounding speech.
• The feature currently supports over 17 Indian dialects, with plans to expand to other English accents like Filipino.

The business context: Krisp initially deployed the accent conversion technology with call center agencies before making it broadly available.

• The tool is launching in beta with free users getting 60 minutes of daily usage, while a $15 monthly business plan provides unlimited access.
• Krisp joins other companies like Teleperformance SE that are implementing AI accent modification tools, particularly for call center workers.

Why this matters: Krisp positions the technology as a solution for communication efficiency rather than a response to bias or discrimination.

• “As someone with an accent, I’ve often noticed that people struggle to understand me, even when my English is fluent,” explained Arto Minasyan, Krisp’s co-founder and president.
• Minasyan frames the issue as practical: “In fast-paced meetings, even small misunderstandings can slow down decisions, cause repetition, and reduce overall efficiency.”

The bigger picture: AI voice modification technology exists in a complex ethical landscape with implications for identity and authenticity.

• The technology reflects real communication challenges in global business environments while potentially reinforcing linguistic hierarchies.
• AI has a problematic history with race and ethnicity issues, raising concerns about how accent modification tools might impact cultural expression and workplace diversity.