CHENNAI: The family of late SP Balasubrahmanyam (SPB) has issued a legal notice to the producers and music director of Telugu film Keedaa Cola, alleging that they recreated the actor without permission through artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology The sound of a legendary playback singer.
The notification was issued by SP Kalyan Charan, son of SPB. He said that while the family supported the use of technology to keep the late singer’s voice alive after death, they were frustrated that it was being done for commercial purposes without the family’s knowledge and consent.
“I think there’s a legal way to do this,” Charan said. “Any technology should benefit humanity, not take away livelihoods. In this case, I felt good, it was a good opportunity to visit the family and they also saw that the singer’s legacy lives on.”
Charan said he sent a legal notice to the film’s producers and music director on January 18, 2024, demanding an apology, damages and a share of royalties, besides inviting them for a one-on-one meeting. Reach a settlement. solution.
Charan said: “But we are absolutely shocked by the attitude of this response which not only denies the already admitted fact of using late SP Balasubrahmanyam’s voice through artificial intelligence technology but also deceitfully suggests a media trial while Not taking legal measures.” “We will not choose any roundabout way to deal with this matter, nor do we want to promote this issue through media trials. We only recommend solving this issue through legal means.”
The development comes amid a debate over the ethics of using technology to use the late singer’s voice. Recently, Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman used the voices of two late singers with the proper permission.
Charan added that if this trend of commercial exploitation of AI technology in the entertainment industry continues without valid consent or permission, it may even affect current and future singers.
