FKA Twigs has disclosed her use of artificial intelligence to craft a deepfake version of herself, intended to engage with fans and the media while she concentrates on her musical endeavors.
The British artist expressed before a US Senate Judiciary subcommittee her belief in artists’ rights to manage how their voices, appearances, and personalities are utilized by AI technologies.
“In the past year, I have developed my own deepfake version of myself that is not only trained in my personality but can also emulate my exact tone of voice across multiple languages,” she stated.
“These technologies are invaluable tools, but it’s crucial that I retain control over their use, granting or withholding consent as needed.”
Twigs emphasized that her digital clone is capable of communicating in French, Korean, and Japanese, providing an avenue to delve into the creative depths of her upcoming album.
“It allows me to devote more time to my art. As a music artist in today’s landscape, there’s a significant demand for press and promotion, often requiring superficial interactions,” she explained.
With plans to deploy her “AI twigs” later this year to manage online social media engagements, Twigs aims to enhance her reach while focusing on her artistic pursuits.
She urged for legislation to safeguard artists against unauthorized use of their voices and likenesses, citing the vulnerability creators face when their works are manipulated without consent.
Concerns over AI-generated deepfakes’ potential misuse have prompted calls for legal protections, with musicians advocating for regulations to safeguard their livelihoods.
In response, a government spokesperson affirmed commitment to collaborating with artists and the AI sector to leverage technology while ensuring the integrity of creative expression.
The government has already taken steps to criminalize the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images, underscoring efforts to balance innovation with ethical considerations in AI development.
