AI Technology Gives Celebrities Control Over Their Digital Likeness
A startup called Metaphysic AI is offering public figures a way to protect their digital likeness and avoid exploitation. The company’s tool, Metaphysic Pro, allows celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, Tom Hanks, and Paris Hilton to scan their likeness and store it within the platform. Users can upload images or opt for a full face and body scan in a studio. The scans are then stored in Metaphysic’s database, allowing users to retain control over the traits necessary to train an AI model on their likeness and voice.
Support from Prominent Actors
Metaphysic AI claims that several prominent actors and celebrities have embraced their technology. Although representatives for Hathaway, Spencer, Hanks, and Hilton declined to comment on the project, Metaphysic has reportedly partnered with Hollywood talent firm Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to develop generative AI tools and services for its roster of talent.
Fighting Deepfakes and Ensuring Compensation
Metaphysic co-founder and CEO Tom Graham emphasized the importance of owning the dataset that creates a performer’s replica. This ownership helps combat illegal deepfakes, protect actors’ image rights, and ensure proper compensation. By giving public figures control over their data, Metaphysic Pro aims to prevent unauthorized use of their likeness.
Metaphysic AI’s Track Record
In addition to its work with celebrities, Metaphysic AI gained attention for creating deepfake avatars of Elvis Presley and an unofficial version of Tom Cruise. The company’s platform stores essential data required to train AI models but asserts that users retain ownership of their data while Metaphysic acts as a custodian.
Concerns and Legislation
The use of AI in the entertainment industry has raised concerns about privacy and copyright infringement. Negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have highlighted the need for protections against AI exploitation. While legislation is being introduced to address these issues, industry experts stress the importance of proactive measures to ensure ethical AI practices.
Hot Take: Taking Control of Digital Likeness with AI Technology
Metaphysic AI’s Metaphysic Pro tool offers a solution for public figures looking to protect their digital likeness. By storing essential data and giving users control over their traits, the platform helps combat illegal deepfakes and ensures actors are fairly compensated. While concerns about AI exploitation persist, proactive measures like those offered by Metaphysic AI can empower individuals to take ownership of their data and protect their image rights in an increasingly digital world.
By
By
By
By
By