Hollywood Musicians Call for Protection from 'Predatory' AI

Major Hollywood music artists like Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, and Nicki Minaj are now calling for protection from "predatory" AI and its "assault on human creativity."

In an open letter issued by digital advocacy group Artist Rights Alliance, music artists urged AI developers, tech companies, and digital music services to stop using their performers' likenesses "irresponsibly" without compensation.

The letter also emphasized the "enormous threats" the unchecked technology poses to their privacy, identities, crafts, and their very livelihoods.

While recognizing the AI's "enormous potential to advance human creativity," the letter focused on the effects of its unauthorized use that can "substantially dilute the royalty pools that are paid out to artists."

More than 200 musicians have reportedly signed the letter, including the estates of Frank Sinatra and Mary Wilson. All successful artists that amassed wealth from years of building their careers.

AI Becomes More Prevalent in Music Industry

The open letter from music artists marks the first big move from Hollywood musicians in stopping the rampant abuse of AI amid a surge in online spaces.

Various musicians, many independent or just starting out, called out of being impacted by AIs stealing their voices for profits.

Several platforms have also been reported for marketing digital replicas of artists like Drake, Perry, and Eilish for any willing buyers.

Rightful compensation to artists and performers on AI use has been among the primary demands during last year's Hollywood strike.

While the protest did not prevent the use of AI in the industry, performers are granted more protection from being exploited through AI without permission or royalties.

Music Artists Diving into AI Trend

While more and more major music artists have been calling out against wrongful practices in AI, the list of big names jumping into the tech industry's "hype train" is also noticeably getting longer.

Just a few months ahead of the open letter, several major artists like Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, and John Legend have lent their voices to YouTube for its AI-assisted track creation for its Short videos.

Rock ban KISS also passed down their live performances to their digital replicas.

The only difference from other uses of AI in music is that the artists and record labels receive royalties.