Taylor Swift takes a landmark stand against AI deepfakes

Taylor Swift in a sparkly bodysuit — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Taylor Swift has applied to trademark her voice and likeness in a bid to protect her identity from AI abduction. The pop singer's identity has already been used in countless AI deepfake examples, from indecent imagery to fake political promo, and with the technology only getting more refined, it's no surprise the star has finally decided to take action against AI misuse.

Swift is not the first celebrity to seek legal protection of her likeness; earlier this year, actor Matthew McConaughey attempted to use trademark rules to protect his voice and image from AI misuse. The increasing number of celebrities seeking protection against AI proves that the technology's unregulated rise is quickly becoming a concerning threat.

A diptych of album covers for "THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL," features an elaborately dressed Taylor Swift in rhinestone-studded showgirl costumes, depicted in a rich, textured setting on the left and submerged in vibrant, turquoise water on the right. The images are a conceptual presentation for an album, with accompanying vinyl pressings shown below the main photos. — (Image credit: Taylor Swift)

Swift has filed three trademark applications – one using a photo of herself on stage during her Eras Tour, and the other two are audio clips of her introducing herself while promoting her last album, The Life Of A Showgirl.

Article continues below

Graeme Murray, trademark attorney at intellectual property law firm Marks & Clerk, explains, “As generative AI makes deepfakes and AI-generated images a daily reality, Taylor Swift’s move to trade mark her voice and stage image marks a pivotal shift from protecting art to protecting identity. By filing for specific audio clips like 'Hey, it’s Taylor' and detailed imagery of her performing with a pink guitar, Swift is following a strategy made famous by Matthew McConaughey to create a clear perimeter around her likeness."

Taylor Swift performing — (Image credit: Emma McIntyre/TAS23 via Getty Images)

“Taylor Swift is known for taking protection of her intellectual property rights seriously," adds Iona Silverman, intellectual property & media partner at law firm Freeths. "These most recent trade mark applications show that she’s serious about brand control in the age of AI. Trade marks have traditionally protected names, logos and slogans, but we’re now seeing them used much more creatively to police misuse of voice and image where copyright or image rights may fall short. As generative AI makes it easier to create convincing imitations, celebrities and brands alike are looking to trade mark law as a practical enforcement tool against increasingly sophisticated digital copies or deepfakes."

While Swift's trademark applications may help her to protect her identity, it's not a worldwide shield from AI misuse. "The voice and image trade marks filed by Taylor Swift cover only the US, meaning there are significant gaps in protection in the rest of the world," Iona explains.

Taylor Swift performing with male dancers in suits as they cover her in large white feathered fans — (Image credit: Getty Images)

For more creative insight, check out the new skills creatives are learning to save their jobs from AI or take a look at Taylor Swift's logo battle over a cursive font.

Natalie Fear is Creative Bloq's staff writer. With an eye for trending topics and a passion for internet culture, she brings you the latest in art and design news. Natalie also runs Creative Bloq’s 5 Questions series, spotlighting diverse talent across the creative industries. Outside of work, she loves all things literature and music (although she’s partial to a spot of TikTok brain rot).