British singer-songwriter FKA twigs recently testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, expressing her concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence. She shared her experiences as an artist whose music and performances have been used by third parties to train AI models, leading her to develop a deepfake version of herself. This deepfake, named ‘AI twigs,’ is capable of speaking in multiple languages using her exact tone of voice, and will be used to handle her online social media interactions in the future.
FKA twigs emphasized that while deepfake technology can be useful and practical when used with the consent of the person being imitated, it becomes problematic when artists’ identities are exploited without their permission. She called for legislation to control the use of deepfake technology, highlighting the importance of protecting artists and individuals from having their identities misused for the gain of others. She urged those in power to learn from past mistakes made during the advent of the internet, where policies and controls were not implemented quickly enough to protect vulnerable individuals.
The musician’s testimony reflects a growing concern among artists and individuals about the potential misuse of deepfake technology. FKA twigs stressed the need for appropriate legislative control to ensure that artists retain ownership and control over their identities and creative works. By sharing her own experience with developing a deepfake version of herself, she highlighted the importance of consent and control in the use of AI technology.
FKA twigs also warned against the consequences of allowing deepfake technology to be used without proper regulation, citing the negative impact it could have on artists, young people, and vulnerable individuals. She called on policymakers to take proactive measures to protect individuals from having their identities manipulated and exploited through AI technology. Her testimony serves as a wake-up call to address the potential risks posed by deepfake technology and to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent misuse.
In conclusion, FKA twigs’ testimony before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property sheds light on the importance of regulating deepfake technology to protect artists and individuals from having their identities misused. By sharing her own experiences with developing a deepfake version of herself, she underscores the need for consent and control in the use of AI technology. Her call for legislative action serves as a reminder of the responsibility policymakers have in safeguarding individuals from the potential harms of emerging technologies like deepfakes.
