AI Music: Defying Danger in Tehran

Musician Jack Savoretti has discussed the intersection of artificial intelligence and artistic expression in a conversation with the publication Presse. During the discussion, Savoretti addressed the capabilities of AI to transform brief recordings into full songs and the implications of this technology in restrictive environments.

Savoretti noted that AI allows for the creation of music in contexts where performing or singing such songs would be dangerous. Specifically, he referenced Tehran, stating that it would currently be too dangerous to sing such songs in that city, but that AI provides a means of circumventing those risks.

The conversation highlights a contrast between human presence and digital anonymity, with Savoretti observing, Uns kann man riechen, die KI nicht (People can smell us, but not the AI).

AI and Cultural Expression in Iran

The use of AI-generated art and music to explore social themes is evident in other contemporary works. A YouTube project titled Tehran | AI Music Video utilizes a combination of rock music and AI-generated visuals to examine themes of youth, freedom, and the social movements currently reshaping Iranian identity.

However, the proliferation of AI tools in the region has also been linked to disinformation. A report by The New York Times detailed a surge of AI-generated fakes during the first weeks of a war in Iran, where videos depicted non-existent explosions, decimated streets, and fictional protests.

According to a study by Cyabra, a majority of these AI videos promoted pro-Iranian views, often falsely portraying military superiority and sophistication. The New York Times identified over 110 unique AI-generated images and videos from a two-week period, which were viewed millions of times across platforms including X, TikTok, and Facebook.

The Broader Impact of Generative AI on Media

The ability for nearly anyone to create lifelike simulations at little to no cost has created a chaotic environment online. Experts, including Marc Owen Jones, an associate professor of media analytics at Northwestern University in Qatar, have noted that the current volume of AI content in Middle Eastern conflicts exceeds what was seen during the onset of the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Beyond the geopolitical implications, the rise of AI has triggered legal and professional conflicts within the creative industries. In a separate development, peers have voted to defy government positions regarding copyright threats posed by artificial intelligence.