There has been significant online discussion regarding an artificial intelligence-generated video depicting the iconic subject of Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, singing a rap composed and performed by actor Anne Hathaway. This divisive clip, produced using Microsoft’s new AI technology VASA-1, has prompted a wide array of reactions online, ranging from entertainment to unease.
This groundbreaking technology has the capability to create realistic talking faces of virtual characters using only a single image and speech audio clip. The AI can have cartoon characters, photographs, and paintings sing or speak, as evidenced in the footage recently released by Microsoft as part of a research project published on April 16.
The most widely circulated clip features the woman in the Mona Lisa painting singing along to “Paparazzi,” a rap originally performed by Anne Hathaway on Conan O’Brien’s talk show back in 2011. In another Microsoft clip, an avatar sings, and in others generated from real photos, people speak on everyday topics.
These videos quickly went viral, with one post on a social media platform receiving over seven million views in just a few days. The online reactions have been swift and strong, with some finding the clips highly entertaining, while others have expressed cautiousness or even discomfort.
Microsoft’s researchers have acknowledged the potential risks that come with this new technology and have stated that they have no plans to release an online demo or product until they are certain that the technology will be used responsibly and in accordance with proper regulations.
The company’s researchers have emphasized that the technology is not intended to create content that is used to mislead or deceive. However, they also recognize the potential for misuse, particularly in creating misleading or harmful content of real persons. Despite these challenges, they are committed to developing AI responsibly in order to advance human well-being and are dedicated to applying their technique for beneficial purposes such as enhancing educational equity, improving accessibility for individuals with communication challenges, and offering companionship or therapeutic support to those in need.
This latest development in AI technology arises at a time when governments around the world are racing to regulate the new technology and address its potential criminal misuse. One such example is deepfake pornography, which involves superimposing an individual’s face onto explicit images or videos without their consent. In the U.S., while 10 states have laws against deepfakes, federal legislation on the matter is still pending, with multiple bills introduced in Congress to address the issue.
The controversy surrounding this AI-generated video is a testament to the rapid advancements in technology and the ethical considerations that come with it. It opens up a discussion on the responsible use of AI and the need for proper regulations to govern its use in various aspects of our lives.
The potential applications of this technology are undeniable, but it is crucial to proceed with caution and ensure that it is used for the greater good of humanity. As we continue to witness the evolution of AI, it is essential to remain vigilant and actively participate in shaping its ethical boundaries for the benefit of society as a whole.