Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj, Stevie Wonder and other musicians demand protection from artificial intelligence
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More than 200 famous musicians have signed an open letter calling for protection from the predatory use of artificial intelligence to mimic human voices, images and sounds.
Here's What We Know
The letter, published by the Artist Rights Alliance advocacy group, demands that technology companies not create AI tools that undermine or replace the work of songwriters and artists.
"This assault on human creativity must be stopped. We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists’ voices and likenesses, violate creators’ rights, and destroy the music ecosystem" says the letter.
The document was signed by representatives of different musical genres and eras - from pop stars like Billie Eilish, J Balvin and Nicki Minaj, to members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame like Stevie Wonder and REM. Legacy owners of legacy legends such as Frank Sinatra and Bob Marley have also supported the appeal.
The letter is part of a wider opposition by artists and songwriters to the uncontrolled use of generative AI due to copyright and labour rights violations. Music unions are trying to encourage lawmakers and techno companies to regulate AI.
That said, the authors are not calling for a complete ban on AI in music, allowing for its responsible use.
Go Deeper:
- The state of Tennessee has become the first in the US to pass a law to start protecting artists from artificial intelligence
- Beyoncé has openly spoken out against AI music following the release of her Cowboy Carter album
Source: The Guardian