FKA Twigs uses AI to create deepfakes of herself

FKA Twigs has revealed that she created a deepfake of herself using artificial intelligence to interact with fans and journalists so she can focus on her music.

The British singer, dancer and actress told the US Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Tuesday that celebrities and artists should be able to control how their voices, looks and personalities are used by AI.

“Over the past year, I have developed a deepfake version of myself that is not only trained in my personality, but can also speak many languages ​​using accurate tones of voice,” she said. Told.

“These and similar technologies are extremely valuable tools, but they are all under my control and I can grant or deny consent in a meaningful way.

“What is unacceptable is that, in the absence of proper legal regulations, my art and my identity can be easily stolen by third parties without my consent and misused for their own benefit. It’s a case.”

She added that her digital clone would be able to communicate in French, Korean and Japanese.

“That means we can really explain what that's going to be like creatively on our next album,” she said.

“You can also spend more time creating art, which often requires a lot of press, publicity, and word-of-mouth, whether it's a music artist or an artist of this era.

“So if it's something simple that doesn't require a lot of heart, you can write a one-liner and give it to people to promote your work, and it's harmless, but in the end it's really worth it.” I can spend more time creating something that's meaningful to my fans.”

In further written evidence, she said that “AI twigs” will be introduced later this year, allowing her to “expand my reach and explore online social media while remaining focused on my art, all from the comfort and ease of my studio.” It will be introduced in order to “handle communications”.

The star said that without laws regulating the use of AI, creators' “careers and livelihoods are at risk” and that others should not be allowed to use artists' voices and other features without their consent. He claimed that there was no.

“There are songs online that I didn't create, collaborations with myself and other artists,” she told the committee.

“It makes me feel vulnerable, because first of all, as an artist, what I love about my work is that I'm very precise. I take my time with everything and I take great pride in my work.

“So someone could take my voice, change my lyrics, change my message, maybe work with artists I don't want to work with, or who I want to work with. Now that surprise has been ruined by the fact that I might be working with an artist who has done a lot of work.'' – It really makes me feel very raw and very vulnerable. ”

The use of AI to impersonate the voices and images of famous singers and rappers is on the rise.

In early April, Jess Glynne, Mumford & Sons, Sam Smith, Zayn Malik and others wrote an international open letter calling for further protections against the “predatory use of AI to steal artists' voices and likenesses.” He was among the British artists signed.

On Wednesday, a group of British MPs published a report suggesting musicians and other celebrities should be protected by legislation banning AI-generated deepfakes in the UK.

The All-Party Parliamentary Federation for Music said legislation should be enacted that includes “personality rights to protect creators and artists from unauthorized use and false endorsements.”

Such legislation should also include other measures to protect musicians from the risk of AI becoming “disruptive to the lives of creators,” the lawmakers said in a report released Wednesday.

Labor MP Kevin Brennan, chair of the cross-party group, said politicians “must confront the dangers the unfettered development of AI could pose to British musicians and the music business”.

But the power of AI can also be a force for good, “helping musicians innovate and stimulating new human creativity,” he added.

“We are at our peril by ignoring the need to put in place policies that help us reap the benefits of AI and thwart the threats it poses,” Brennan said.

“Our central insight must always be that AI can be a good servant, but a terrible master.”

In response, a government spokesperson said: “We are committed to helping artists and the creative industries work together with the AI ​​sector to take advantage of the opportunities this technology offers and ensure our music continues to be enjoyed around the world.” said.

“Trust and transparency are essential to this shared approach. We are working closely with our stakeholders and will provide further updates soon.”