FKA Twigs, the innovative British singer-songwriter, recently made headlines with a two-pronged approach to the burgeoning technology of deepfakes. While appearing before the U.S. Senate to advocate for regulations controlling the misuse of AI-generated replicas, Twigs also revealed her development of a deepfake version of herself for positive artistic applications.
Twigs Champions Regulation for “Non-Consensual Deepfakes”
Twigs’ appearance on Capitol Hill underscored her concern regarding the potential misuse of deepfakes. Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Twigs expressed strong support for the NO FAKES Act (“Nurture Originals, Foster Art and Keep Entertainment Safe”). This proposed legislation aims to empower individuals, companies, and platforms to pursue legal action against the unauthorized creation or distribution of “digital replicas.”
The “Future-Facing Artist” Embraces Deepfakes for Fan Interaction
Despite advocating for regulation, Twigs also recognizes the potential benefits of deepfakes when employed responsibly. She describes herself as a “future-facing artist” enthusiastic about exploring new technologies that can enhance artistic expression and audience engagement. In her written testimony, Twigs revealed the development of a personal deepfake AI, “trained in [her] personality” and capable of replicating her unique voice across multiple languages. This digital persona is envisioned to manage online interactions and social media engagement, freeing Twigs to focus on creative pursuits within her studio.
Deepfakes as a Tool for Artistic Expression
Twigs emphasizes the “highly valuable” aspect of a controlled deepfake, allowing her to utilize the technology for artistic purposes. She envisions deepfakes as a tool to “express deeper emotions, create fantasy worlds and touch the hearts of many people.” This perspective aligns with a growing trend of artists exploring the potential of deepfakes for innovative music videos, performances, and interactive experiences.
Striking a Balance: Control vs. Exploitation
While acknowledging the artistic merit of deepfakes, Twigs draws a clear line between authorized use and unauthorized exploitation. Her primary concern lies in the potential for malicious actors to misappropriate an artist’s likeness and artistic identity for personal gain. She highlights the importance of “appropriate legislative control” to safeguard these fundamental rights.
A Call to Action for Regulation
Twigs concludes her testimony with a powerful call to action. She emphasizes the need for collaboration between the artistic community and legislators to establish safeguards for creative and intellectual rights in the digital age. Her message underscores the urgency of addressing the potential dangers of deepfakes before the technology becomes a breeding ground for exploitation.
