More than 200 performers, including Sheryl Crow and the estate of Bob Marley, have written a letter pleading for protection against the unethical use of artificial intelligence, such as the unauthorized reproduction of their voices and likenesses.

Los Angeles

The release of Open AI's ChatGPT has accelerated the development of artificial intelligence and warnings about its impact on society.

Rise of AI

Over 200 performers, encompassing well-known figures such as Sheryl Crow and the estate of Bob Marley, have proactively addressed the burgeoning issue of artificial intelligence in the music industry. They have penned an open letter calling for substantial measures to safeguard against what they deem the unethical employment of AI technology. The primary concern highlighted in their appeal revolves around the unauthorized replication of their voices and likenesses, which they argue could potentially infringe on their rights and dilute their artistic integrity.

The collective action taken by these artists underscores a growing apprehension regarding the ethical implications and potential misuse of AI in replicating human creativity without consent. This plea for regulatory intervention reflects a wider debate on the need to balance technological innovation with the protection of intellectual property and personal identity within the digital domain. The artists' initiative seeks not only to protect their own works but also sets a precedent for addressing similar issues that could affect creators across various sectors.



Over 200 musicians plead for protections against unethical AI

From the replicated voices of Drake and The Weeknd to soundalikes of Bad Bunny and The Biebs, we've heard the AI-generated vocal clones and viral hits. They may have pleased fans, but the trend alarms artists like Sheryl Crow. It terrifies me that I can sing to you a song that I had absolutely nothing to do with, and you'll believe it. She's now one of 200 performers to co-sign this open letter. Supporters include Nicki Minaj, Arkell's, and Bob Marley's Estate. They're asking AI developers, tech companies, and platforms to protect the rights of human artists, flagging concerns over voice, sound, and likeness. I've spent 25 years honing my touch, my voice, my point of view, my writing sensibilities, and that's now being used to train AI to imitate and replace me. Without protections, there's also the fear that AI could crowd human artists out. It's really about kind of coming up with a way, a framework for using it ethically. Out to prove that it can be done fairly is this music producer, set to launch a platform using AI with permission from artists. I have no interest in removing the human from the process. In fact, artists like Grimes are finding ways to use AI. She partnered with CreateSafe to make a product that allows fans to use her voice to make music. The company's CEO says everyone needs to be involved. Well, I think it's important that artists and rights holders are actively engaged in the conversation around legislation. Tennessee is one state that's been dealing with the issues raised in the open letter. But with the technology's rapid growth, many think music's battle with AI has just begun. Makda Gebreselassie, CBC News, Toronto.

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Rise of AI