Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, has expressed her opposition to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate her father’s voice. In a message posted on her Instagram Story, she stated that she has witnessed how people want to train AI models to create or recreate actors, like her father, who cannot give their consent. She finds this personally disturbing and believes that the ramifications of such technology extend far beyond her own feelings.
Zelda’s comments come amid the ongoing strike by the Writer Guild of America (WGA) against the studios, which includes issues related to the use of AI. While the WGA has reached a tentative deal, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is still on strike over the use of AI and other concerns.
According to Zelda, living actors deserve the opportunity to create characters and voice cartoons through their own choices, efforts, and time. She believes that AI recreations of actors are, at best, poor imitations and, at worst, monstrous creations that undermine the true essence of the industry.
Robin Williams, a beloved actor and comedian, passed away in 2014 at the age of 62. He suffered from anxiety, severe depression, Parkinson’s disease, and Lewy Body Dementia, as revealed by an autopsy.
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Zelda’s message was accompanied by a photograph of herself, expressing her strong stance against the use of AI in this context. However, the message did not provide further details regarding the specific concerns she has about the use of AI technology or any potential actions being taken by SAG-AFTRA in relation to the strike.
Artificial intelligence has increasingly been used in various industries, including entertainment, to create digital versions of individuals. While the technology presents exciting opportunities for creativity and innovation, it also raises ethical questions regarding consent, privacy, and the potential for misuse.
In recent years, there have been instances where AI has been employed to imitate the voices of deceased celebrities, allowing them to appear in commercials, movies, or other media. These recreations often involve analyzing vast amounts of data, including recorded interviews, performances, and public appearances, to generate an AI model that can mimic the person’s voice and speech patterns.
The use of AI to recreate the voices of deceased or living individuals without their consent has sparked debate about the boundaries of technology and the rights of individuals. Critics argue that it raises concerns regarding exploitation and the erosion of the human element in creative industries. Proponents, on the other hand, see it as a way to preserve the legacies of beloved figures and give fans the opportunity to experience their favorite stars even after they have passed away.
As the strike continues, it remains to be seen how the discussions around the use of AI in the entertainment industry will unfold. The concerns raised by Zelda Williams highlight the importance of considering the ethical implications of AI technology and finding a balance between innovation and the preservation of human involvement in creative endeavors. Ultimately, the responsible and ethical use of AI should prioritize the rights and wishes of individuals, especially when it comes to posthumous representations of their voices and likeness.
