Country music star pleads with Congress to protect artists from ‘betrayal’

Martina McBride spoke Wednesday in front of Congress in support of the NO FAKES Act.

The reason?

She wants to help protect artists from fakes.

The country music star testified on Capitol Hill, saying describing AI deepfakes were “just terrifying” and asking for help defending musicians, actors and other artists from becoming victims to the latest tech.

“AI technology is amazing and can be used for so many wonderful purposes,” McBride said, per The Associated Press. “But like all great technologies, it can also be abused, in this case by stealing people’s voices and likenesses to scare and defraud families, manipulate the images of young girls in ways that are shocking to say the least, impersonate government officials or make phony recordings posing as artists like me.

“I’m pleading with you to give me the tools to stop that kind of betrayal. (The NO FAKES Act could) set America on the right course to develop the world’s best AI while preserving the sacred qualities that make our country so special: authenticity, integrity, humanity and our endlessly inspiring spirit … I urge you to pass this bill now.”

According to The AP:

The NO FAKES Act seeks to provide federal protections for artists’ voice, likeness and image being used in AI-generated deepfakes. It also looks to hold platforms that knowingly feature these deepfakes liable. The act also plans to create a federal right of publicity that does not expire at death but rather continues under a person’s heir for no more than 70 years following death.

Nearly 400 artists, actors and performers have signed on in support of the legislation, according to the Human Artistry Campaign, which advocates for responsible AI use, including LeAnn Rimes, Bette Midler, Missy Elliott, Scarlett Johansson and Sean Astin.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.