Singer S.P. Kalyan Charan, the son of the late singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, served legal notice on the makers of the Telugu movie Keedaa Cola as well as music director Vivek Sagar for using artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology to "inappropriately" recreate Mr. Balasubrahmanyam's voice.
Singer Balasubrahmanyam who passed away due to Covid-19 related complications in 2020, on February 16, 2024.
In a press release, Charan expressed his gratitude for his late father's voice being revived, but he was also upset that it was done without their knowledge or approval.
The press release said, While we really love how technology is used to its fullest potential to give his voice a posthumous life, the family is disheartened when the same technology is utilised without our knowledge, consent, or authorisation for commercial exploitation.
Additionally, SP Charan stated that in a November 2023 YouTube interview, the film's composer acknowledged utilizing SPB's voice. The singer went on to say that this was "shocking" as no permission was obtained and that it may deny current vocalists in the business opportunities.
The press release further stated that No consent or permission was taken from the late singers family members to use/artificially mimic the legends voice for commercial exploitation. If this trend of using AI technology for commercial exploitation in the entertainment industry continues without valid consent or permission then even the present and future singers who are valuable resources to the music industry and whose livelihood depends on their only asset, their voice, will be at peril, the press release added.
SPBs son said that a legal notice was issued on January 18, 2024, to the concerned parties for unethical and unlawful use of late singers voice. Along with an apology, the notice seeks damages, and a share in royalties.
