How FKA twigs Created Deepfake Of Herself To Make Impactful Statement

Tahliah Debrett Barnett, better known by her stage name FKA twigs, said that she has developed a deepfake version of herself called AI twigs, trained to mimic her personality and voice. The British musician spoke about the dangers of artificial intelligence at a US Senate Judiciary Committee on April 30, describing the uncannily realistic replica she reportedly created of herself. She expressed her concern as a public figure whose work has been similarly used by third parties and "exploited falsely for their own gain without my consent due to the absence of appropriate legislative control." 

36-year-old twigs stressed that while in some cases, deepfakes can be useful and practical, there is a need for regulation and strict action against their non-consensual usage and manipulation.

FKA twigs Demands Protection For Artists

FKA twigs delivered a statement about the need for more intervention in artificial intelligence. The musician, who expressed that she comes from a background steeped in art, stated before the US Senate that her work has been misused.

"AI cannot replicate the depth of my life journey, yet those who control it hold the power to mimic the likeness of my art, to replicate it and falsely claim my identity and intellectual property," she said.

FKA twigs added, "This prospect threatens to rewrite and unravel the fabric of my very existence. We must enact regulation now to safeguard our authenticity and protect against misappropriation of our inalienable rights."

Describing herself as a future-facing artist, twigs acknowledged the profound impact of new technologies on art and self-expression. With that point, she demanded policies that must keep pace with proliferating technology. 

"History has shown us time again that in moments of great technological advancement, those in the arts have always been the first to have their work exploited and, in many instances, fraudulently commoditised," twigs pointed out.

"By protecting artists with legislation at such a momentous moment in our history, we are protecting a five-year-old child in the future from having their voice, likeness and identity taken and used without prior consent or compensation."

FKA twigs said that she spoke before the committee on behalf of all the artists whose "careers are in jeopardy" due to the exploitation of their work and identity. "You have the power to change this and safeguard the future," she asserted.