Amid growing concerns over fake content that abused celebrities’ voices and images due to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, pop star Taylor Swift has secured the rights to her voice and photos. U.S. entertainment media Variety reported that Swift’s asset management company TAS Rights Management applied for trademark rights for two voices and one photo to the Korean Intellectual Property Office on the 24th. The application included two voices, including Swift’s signature greetings, “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift” and “Hey, it’s Taylor.” The photo shows Swift wearing silver boots and a rainbow body suit while holding a pink guitar.
Josh Gerben, a lawyer specializing in intellectual property (IP), explained about the trademark application, “It seems to reflect the entertainment industry’s concerns about the potential dangers of AI using voice and image without the artist’s permission.” Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey also applied for trademark rights on eight cases, including his voice and photos, to the Korean Intellectual Property Office to prevent the use of AI without permission. Amid growing concerns over the spread of content using AI technology, actual damage cases are also continuing. According to cybersecurity company McAfee in November last year, Swift was the most victim of deepfake impersonation among celebrities around the world.
Swift is an influential star whose new term “Taylornomics” has been coined, which refers to a phenomenon in which fans flock to each city where performances are held, revitalizing the local economy. In fact, the mere appearance of wearing a t-shirt with an otter on it has shown great impact, raising about 2.3 million dollars in the otter protection fund. Due to her influence, she is analyzed to have been most often abused in fraud using deepfakes.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump also caused controversy just before the 2024 presidential election by sharing an AI-generated image of Swift supporting him.
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
