Earlier, singer Kumar Sanu had spoken about the steps he is taking to protect his voice against misuse by artificial intelligence on various platforms. After the singer announced to seek legal aid to protect his voice, several other singers shared their views about the need for a legal shield to protect their voice and told us how they are considering similar steps.
In an interview to Hindustan Times, Sanu said, “I recently went to the US to perform in several concerts. My next step would be to approach the court and get such an order. Today technology is dominated by AI. I don’t think it would be right if a duplicate of any singer is made. We have to protect ourselves from such methods. AI is dangerous.”
Also read: Like Amitabh Bachchan, Kumar Sanu will also get personality rights, said ‘It is wrong to create duplicate voice with AI’
Agreeing with Sanu’s thoughts, other singers also express their concerns.
pride
We, on the board of Indian Singers and Musicians Rights Association (ISAMRA), have had several discussions on how to deal with AI generated voice impersonations. Taking the legal route individually can be very complicated. I am confident that in a few weeks, we will have an AI protection clause ready that can patent established voices and protect them from being misused or commercially exploited.
Arjun Kanungo
It is most important for artists today to protect their voice. With advances in AI, the potential threats are unpredictable and significant. I think the only way forward is to use legal aid and protect your voice; I would definitely consider it. In the next few years, different scenarios may emerge where people’s voices are being misused and this could become a huge problem.
Dhvani Bhanushali
Musicians should consider integrating these technological advancements into their practice. Having said that, artists should not be exploited at the cost of innovation – an equitable ecosystem is needed. Any kind of arbitrary use or copyright infringement demands legal advice and action. This should be an option every artist should have.
Nikita Gandhi
More than AI, the problem arises from the use of AI and the legal processes associated with it. The problem is that the laws are not clear. I would definitely want to protect my voice against any potential misuse. In fact, every artist should demand protection.
Anusha Mani
I am not aware of the laws regarding AI in our country and how strong they are or how many loopholes they have, but if there is a way, I will definitely consider it.
Musicians in the West
Earlier this year, more than 200 international artists signed an open letter demanding protection against misuse of their voices by AI. These include Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, Nicki Minaj, REM, among others, reports The Guardian. The letter was issued by the Artist Rights Alliance advocacy group and demanded that technology companies promise not to replace human voices with technology. The estates of late musicians Frank Sinatra and Bob Marley have also signed it.
