Voice and Likeness Used Without Consent
In a recent hearing, many artists expressed their concerns about their voices and likenesses being used to create music and other content without their consent. They highlighted the fact that their voices were being used in “questionable settings” or to sing lyrics “they would never write.”
“My art is uniquely and literally me, my name, my likeness, my voice,” said one artist. “It is wrong, plain and simple.”
Personal Rights and AI
The artists emphasized the importance of having control over the use of their own selves and unique qualities. They acknowledged the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) but expressed concerns about its misuse and infringement on personal rights.
“I am excited about a lot of ways that artificial intelligence can be used to help people, but I’m nervous about how it can be used to take personal rights,” stated one artist.
Choice and Consent
The artists stressed that musicians should have a “choice” in allowing AI platforms to use their voice to create new content. They shared examples of their likenesses being used for promotional purposes without their approval, highlighting the potential impact on young fans.
“I would never in a million years ever do anything like that,” one artist said. “But at the end of the day, you know, people are like, ‘I got to see it to believe it.’ Well, they’re seeing it, and they’re believing it.”
Protecting Artists and Fans
The artists emphasized that it should be the artist’s choice, not an AI cloning company’s, to decide how their voice and likeness are used. They argued that AI-generated content that misrepresents an artist’s identity is “unacceptable” and “a personal violation.”
“An artist’s voice and likeness are their property and should not take a backseat to the economic interest of companies that have not invested in or partnered with the artist,” one artist asserted.
A Broader Impact
While the focus was on music artists and AI-generated materials, the artists also highlighted the broader impact of AI on society. They emphasized the need for protection for all individuals, including high school girls who have faced deepfake incidents and elderly citizens who have been tricked by vocal clones.
“AI increasingly affects every single one of us,” one artist stated. “I’m so grateful that you are considering taking action to ensure that these tools are used in a responsible way.”
Looking Ahead
Despite these concerns, artists continue to pursue their passion and receive recognition for their work. One artist, gearing up for the Grammys, received nominations for best country album and best country duo/group performance.