LOS ANGELES (KABC) – Lainey Wilson, a prominent figure in the country music scene, found herself in a different spotlight on Friday as she addressed a distinct audience. The talented singer-songwriter, accustomed to performing on stage, took the stand before the House Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet in downtown Los Angeles. The focus of her testimony revolved around the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to individuals in the entertainment industry.
During the hearing, the Subcommittee delved into the ways in which Congress can foster innovation in AI applications while tackling the escalating concerns surrounding its potential misuse, particularly concerning individuals’ characteristics such as their likeness, voice, and other identifiable traits.
Wilson shared a disheartening personal experience where AI was exploited to falsely assert her endorsement of weight loss gummies. Expressing her dismay, she emphasized the profound impact of having one’s identity misappropriated through AI technologies. She underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “I do not have to tell you how much of a gut-punch it is to have your name, your likeness, or your voice ripped from you and used in ways that you can never imagine or would never allow.”
Accompanying Wilson were a panel of AI experts representing both the entertainment sector and pioneering AI companies, all providing valuable insights to the Subcommittee.
The ongoing deliberations within Congress aim to delineate the legal boundaries concerning the utilization of artificial intelligence within the realm of entertainment. Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida unequivocally stated, “Robots should not be subject to free speech. I cannot even believe I have to say that out loud.”
Recent incidents, such as the dissemination of pornographic deepfake images of Taylor Swift, prompted bipartisan action, leading to the introduction of legislation to outlaw non-consensual sexual deepfakes. Reality Defender, a group specializing in deepfake detection, reported a surge in unauthorized explicit content featuring Swift across various online platforms.
Chairman Darrell Issa highlighted the forthcoming wave of AI-related legislation, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of these initiatives aimed at safeguarding the rights and creative endeavors of individuals in various artistic fields.
Despite the apprehensions surrounding AI, Harvey Mason Jr., President, and CEO of the Recording Academy, shed light on a positive application of the technology. He announced a groundbreaking collaboration with IBM that will leverage generative AI to deliver personalized content during the upcoming 66th Grammy Awards.
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