Artificial intelligence is taking over all industries, boosting efficiency, but after DeepFake cases, of famous personalities. Famous artists are demanding protection against the use of AI in music.
A coalition of over 200 prominent musicians, including industry heavyweights such as Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj, and the Jonas Brothers, have united to issue a powerful statement cautioning against the unchecked use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the music industry.
This collective call to action, spearheaded by the Artist Rights Alliance advocacy group, focusses on concerns regarding the potential exploitation of artists' voices, likenesses, and creative expressions by AI technology.
The open letter, signed by an eclectic array of musical talents spanning genres and generations, delivers a resolute demand for tech companies to refrain from developing AI tools that undermine or supplant human songwriters and artists. The imperative to safeguard against the predatory use of AI, the letter asserts, “sabotage creativity and undermine artists, songwriters, musicians and rightsholders.”
Despite the call for vigilance, the letter stops short of advocating for a blanket ban on AI in music production, acknowledging the potential benefits that responsible AI use may offer to the industry. Indeed, AI technology has already been harnessed in various capacities within music production, from isolating vocals of deceased artists to creating "new" compositions to assisting with creative processes.
The fact that AI cannot replace creativity, but creativity can be misused and the voice of the artists can be misused under the pretence of AI is more dangerous than thought.
However, the proliferation of AI-generated content has raised profound ethical and legal concerns, particularly regarding copyright infringement and labour rights. In response, artist unions and advocacy organisations have intensified efforts to pressure lawmakers and tech companies to regulate AI usage, while also drawing attention to the potential risks posed by deepfake technology.
The letter's issuance comes amidst a broader industry-wide pushback against the unfettered expansion of generative artificial intelligence, with recent years witnessing high-profile contract negotiations and union strikes centred on protecting artists' rights. Notably, Tennessee recently enacted pioneering legislation dubbed the "Elvis Act," aimed at safeguarding musicians from having their vocal likeness replicated by AI for commercial purposes.
Yet, challenges persist, with the letter highlighting ongoing instances of tech companies leveraging artists' work without consent to train AI models, resulting in significant financial ramifications for creators. The Artist Rights Alliance, helmed by music industry veterans including board member Rosanne Cash, serves as a vital platform for amplifying artists' voices and advocating for their rights in the digital age.
As AI technology continues to evolve and permeate various facets of the music industry, artists find themselves at a critical juncture, grappling with the ethical implications of AI-generated content and striving to delineate boundaries for its responsible use. Amidst these complexities, the united front presented by the letter underscores the resolve of musicians to safeguard the integrity of their craft and preserve the fundamental rights of creators in the digital landscape.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.