Taylor Swift takes shocking step against AI fake content

Taylor Swift has filed trademark applications to protect her voice and identity from AI deepfakes.

Filed through TAS Rights Management with the US Patent and Trademark Office, the filings cover audio clips and an image.

In one clip she says,"Hey, it's Taylor Swift, and you can listen to my new album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl,’ on demand on Amazon Music Unlimited."

Another says,"Hey, it’s Taylor. My brand new album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ is out on October 3 and you can click to presave it so you can listen to it on Spotify."

The image seeks trademark protection for Swift on stage in a sequined outfit holding a pink guitar.

The filings come amid widespread misuse of Swift’s voice and image in AI-generated deepfakes and false content.

Taylor Swift’s company TAS Rights Management is listed as the official owner in newly filed trademark applications linked to her voice, imagery, and audio clips.

The filings, first reported via a blog by trademark attorney Josh Gerben, are being viewed as part of a broader move to shield the singer from rising AI-related misuse.

Gerben explained that the applications appear to be, "specifically designed to protect Taylor from threats posed by artificial intelligence".

He added that the issue is becoming more widespread across the entertainment industry as AI tools make it easier to generate convincing fake content.

It is pertinent to mention that Swift is not the only major celebrity taking legal steps in this direction.

In January, lawyers for Matthew McConaughey confirmed he had been granted eight trademarks associated with his voice and digital identity.

Among them was a sound mark for his iconic phrase, "Alright, alright, alright!"

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