FKA Twigs Testifies to Senate on AI's Threat to Musicians' Identities

FKA twigs, a British musician, testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on musicians. In her testimony, twigs argued that while AI cannot replicate the depth of her life experience, it holds the power to mimic the likeness of her art, replicate it, and falsely claim her identity and intellectual property.

Twigs revealed that she has been developing her own AI deepfake version of herself over the past year, which she plans to use to engage with her fans online while she focuses on creating art. The deepfake is trained in her personality and can use her exact tone of voice to speak in multiple languages, including French, Korean, and Japanese.

However, twigs emphasized that it is unacceptable for third parties to exploit an artist's work and identity without their consent due to the lack of appropriate legislative control and restriction. "The unscrupulous use of AI to create a digital facsimile that purports to be an artist and their work is inherently wrong," she stated in her written testimony.

The hearing was related to the proposed NO FAKES Act, a bipartisan bill that would hold deepfake creators liable in civil claims by the artist. The act aims to protect individuals' voice and visual likeness from unauthorized use in AI-generated deepfakes.

Why this matters: The testimony highlights the growing concerns around the impact of AI technology on artists and the need for legislative action to address the issue. As AI continues to advance, it poses significant threats to artists' authenticity, intellectual property rights, and control over their own identities and work.

Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl also testified at the hearing, supporting the NO FAKES Act and urging lawmakers to include an enforceable intellectual property right for likeness and voice, respect for First Amendment principles, and deterrence measures against unethical AI use. Kyncl warned that unchecked deepfake technology could ruin lives, reputations, and businesses.

Twigs called for immediate regulation to safeguard artists' authenticity and protect against the misappropriation of their rights. "“AI cannot replicate the depth of my life journey. Yet those who control it hold the power to mimic the likeness of my art, replicate it, and falsely claim my identity and intellectual property," she emphasized, urging the industry and legislators to work together to protect the creative and intellectual rights of artists.

Key Takeaways

• FKA twigs testified on AI's impact on musicians' rights and identity.
• Twigs developed her own AI deepfake to engage with fans.
• The NO FAKES Act aims to hold deepfake creators liable for unauthorized use.
• Warner CEO Kyncl supported the Act, warning of deepfakes' threats.
• Twigs called for regulation to protect artists' authenticity and rights.