Professional Cosplayer Enako Expresses Concerns Over AI Use of Her Image
In the burgeoning world of cosplay, few names are as renowned as Enako's. Known for her exquisite and diverse portrayals of popular anime characters, Enako is one of the rare individuals who have turned cosplay into a full-time profession. However, the celebrated cosplayer has recently voiced her discomfort with a growing issue in the digital space—artificial intelligence (AI) using her likeness without permission.
Enako took to her social media platforms to share her thoughts, expressing unease at AI technologies that utilise her images to generate new, similar-looking photos. "I feel uncomfortable when AI devours my photos and then mass produces photos that look like me, so the words ‘You look like AI’ are not a compliment at all,” she posted. The matter of AI appropriation is not isolated to Enako; it is a concern shared by various creatives, including notable Japanese voice actors.
Voice actors such as Toshihiko Seki, known for his role as Muzan Kibutsuji in the popular anime series "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," and Kujira, the voice behind Orochimaru in "Naruto," have also highlighted the lack of copyright protections concerning their contributions. Both actors have expressed concerns about their voices being replicated by AI technologies without consent, an issue that currently lacks legal mechanisms for recourse.
The challenge extends beyond voice actors in Japan. In the United States, organisations like SAG-AFTRA have been actively addressing AI’s implications on employment within the entertainment industry, including its impact on voice and dub actors.
Enako's profession relies heavily on her image and the vast array of characters she brings to life, such as Yor Forger from "SPY x FAMILY," Detective Conan from "Case Closed," and Mikasa from "Attack on Titan." Her extensive wardrobe, which comprises hundreds of costumes, requires a dedicated warehouse for storage, underscoring the scale of her commitment and the potential financial impact unauthorized use of her image could entail.
As discussions surrounding AI and intellectual property continue to rise, Enako's comments shed light on the precarious position many performers and artists find themselves in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The debate over AI's role and the protections required for personal and artistic integrity remains ongoing, with creative professionals like Enako at its forefront.
Source: Noah Wire Services