Artificial intelligence is used by celebrities as a powerful tool to stay one step ahead of fake information creators.

Written By: Aniqa Batool
Last Updated On: September 18, 2023

*Image: Metaphysic Artificial Intelligence*

While members of the Screen Actors Guild continue to fight for protections against studios’ use of artificial intelligence tools, some notable actors and celebrities are apparently embracing Artificial Intelligence technology—at least to remain one step ahead of those looking to exploit their likenesses.

Metaphysic Artificial Intelligence, a startup, claims that its Metaphysic Pro technology may offer public figures a new lease on life by circumventing difficulties of remuneration and impersonation.

According to the company, celebrities such as Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, Tom Hanks, and Paris Hilton use it. According to a Metaphysic representative, they are among the “early users who have scanned their own images and are storing them within Metaphysic Pro.”

Users can upload photographs from their cell phones or sign up for a full face and body scan in a studio, and scans including the traits that make up the individual are saved in Metaphysic’s database. According to Metaphysics, this helps users retain control over the qualities needed to train an Artificial Intelligence model on their image and voice.

The agency that represents Hathaway, Spencer, and Hanks, Creative Artists Agency, declined to comment on the record. Decoding contacted other representatives for those actors but did not obtain a response right away. A Hilton spokesman also declined to comment on the idea.

In January, Metaphysic Artificial Intelligence announced a partnership with CAA to create generative AI tools and services, including lifelike digital avatars, for its global roster of talent.

“When I talk to people about this concept of what Metaphysic Pro is an embodiment of, which is: ‘Do you want to own your data around your face and voice, the things you need to create your future performance?'” Graham revealed this to Decrypt in an interview. “Across the board, the answer is ‘Yes.'”

One of the primary problems in the discussions between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) is artificial intelligence. The employment of artificial intelligence to generate digital avatars of background actors has been a source of contention in the continuing debate.

“Because of what’s happened with generative Artificial Intelligence, what’s happening in Hollywood, people are becoming increasingly concerned,” Graham explained. “And, to be honest, I believe that feeling of concern is appropriate. That is a human reaction to the concept that someone may puppetmaster you or construct a version of you saying or doing something you did not say or do.”