Comedian Eric Idle says performers ‘ought to protect ourselves' from AI fakes
He told PA: 'I think it is a very interesting point, and we ought to have protected ourselves by copyrighting our images, I know my wife is very concerned about that.
'She's going to copyright my image, I won't be there, so I don't really give a…'
The rise of AI has seen numerous fake videos appearing to feature well-known celebrities on social media, while other incidents have seen their work digitally recreated.
Last year, Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson said she was 'shocked' and 'angered' at how 'eerily similar' one of the voices on AI platform ChatGPT sounded to hers.
In response, the platform's operator OpenAI said it will 'pause' the use of one of the voices.
Idle said the technology is 'actually not bad' at copying work by old artists such as The Beatles to make a new version, but he felt it could 'only copy' and not create.
He added: 'I was with Professor Brian (Cox), the other night, and he asked it to write a Python sketch, and it was shit, completely unfunny.
'It mentioned a few things which obviously it picked up from Python, but it couldn't put them together in a new and funny manner, and I think that's the weakness with AI.
'I think Stephen Fry says you could ask it to do your World War One story, it could tell you how many bullets were used and how many people were killed, and all what happened every day, but it couldn't tell you as much as a Wilfred Owen poem could tell you in one minute or two, or 14 lines.
'I don't think that it makes much difference with a lot of American television because it's just churned out.
'But I think it can't be Robin Williams. I think it can't be Billy Connolly, I think it can't be Spike Milligan, I think it can't be the really creative comedians.
'So I don't think it can come up with that because what they do, they're doing it out of their own personalities.'
The comedian will return to the UK in September for a solo tour at venues including London's Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Glasgow's Armadillo.
He will pay tribute to late friends George Harrison, Williams and Neil Innes, and perform with a virtual band.
He is best known for his appearances in the Monty Python's Flying Circus TV series alongside Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, and its spin-off films Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975), Life Of Brian (1979) and The Meaning Of Life (1983).
Idle also created Beatles parody band The Rutles with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band's Innes, which featured in two mockumentaries in All You Need Is Cash (1978) and The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch (2003).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
41 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Princess Charlotte joins dad William in Basel to roar on Lionesses to victory at Euros final
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRINCESS Charlotte has joined dad William in Switzerland tonight to help roar on the Lionesses to victory. England are set to go head-to-head against Spain in Basel, with football fan Charlotte joining her dad in the stands. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Princess Charlotte and Prince William were spotted in Basel ahead of the Lionesses game Credit: X/@KensingtonRoyal 10 The dad-of-three appeared to be discussing the match with his daughter Credit: PA 10 The pair looked out onto the pitch Credit: PA 10 Princess Charlotte beamed in the stands Credit: PA The pair were spotted in Switzerland this afternoon, where excited fans have been packing out fan zones all day. The princess wore a polka-dot navy dress, while her dad opted for a dapper suit. William was seen beaming in the crowd, ahead of the Lionesses game. The Prince was also spotted shaking hands with fellow fans just before kick-off. Ahead of the final, which starts at 5pm UK time, Prince William joined millions across in England in cheering the Lionesses on. He said: 'Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow. "The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! "We are all cheering you on!' His words of support have been echoed by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, who played footie anthem Three Lions in front of Buckingham Palace. The Lionesses have had an incredible run up until now, beating Italy and Sweden to land a spot in the final. Although the bookies have counted out the team several times so far, they've proven that they can beat the odds and win. The Spanish team might be the bookies' favourite to win tonight, but England fans think the Lionesses can pull off another incredible victory. England fans flock to Basel to roar on Lionesses in Euros final The match tonight is expected to be especially tense, as the two teams have previously gone head-to-head in the World Cup final 2025. Sadly, for the Lionesses, Spain won but the Euro final 2025 is a chance for them to get even. 10 Spain's Laia Aleixandri, left, challenges England's Georgia Stanway Credit: AP 10 Sir Keir Starmer with his wife Victoria Starmer at the game Credit: Getty 10 The Prince shook hands with fellow fans Credit: Reuters The match is due to take place in Basel, Switzerland, at the massive St Jakob-Park stadium and an estimated 38,000 fans will be in attendance. Meanwhile, an estimated 16 million Brits will be watching from home, when the game is broadcast on BBC and ITV. A slew of celebrities have cheered the Lionesses on too, with Amanda Holden saying: 'You can do it girls! "The whole country is behind you and we are so proud. Bring it home.' Loose Women's Katie Piper added: 'Good luck Lionesses! You've already inspired so many with your passion, teamwork and fight.' Ahead of the match, England Skipper Leah Williamson revealed that the team feels the support from the nation behind them. She said: 'We're very connected to what it means to the nation because it means the same to us. "The opportunity of tomorrow and what's on offer is the best thing in football — we have a chance to fight for the trophy. 'We recognise the opportunity and we'll do everything we can to take it.' Fans have flooded the stadium already, bearing flags and even bringing cardboard cutouts of their favourite players. At home, pub licenses have been extended to 1am so that Brits can cheer on their team together. 10 England fans have travelled to Basel, Switzerland to cheer on the Lionesses tonight Credit: Louis Wood 10 Excitement is building as supporters participate in the fan walk to St. Jakob-Park stadium Credit: Getty
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
David Beckham hugs Harper and Victoria on superyacht amid stormy family feud
For months, rumours have rumbled of a bitter split within the Beckham family - but proud dad David looked happy as a clam as he hugged his daughter and wife on a luxury holiday David Beckham looked in good spirits on the high seas as he hugged his daughter and wife during a trip to St Tropez. The 50-year-old sporting legend joined wife Victoria, 51, and daughter Harper Seven, 14, on the deck of a luxury yacht. The sport star looked casual in a sand coloured cap and dark t-shirt - and with a smile stretched across his face. Victoria pouted alongside her husband with her hair loose around her shoulders. While teenage daughter Harper looked pretty in a pink as she wrapped up in a casual hooded top. The trio were spied on the deck of the boat lined up for a photograph together. The famous family are known for heading to the south of France to enjoy a summer break year after year. And they were joined by second son, Romeo, 22 - who reportedly spent the afternoon zipping around the sea on a jet ski. Father, daughter and wife posed and smiled for the cameras as their boat - worth a reported £16 million - bobbed gently on the Mediterranean waters. The Daily Mail shared the sun-soaked snaps which made the family look like they had not a care in the world while enjoying the picturesque French weather. The calm image is in contrast to the stormy headlines that have haunted the Beckham family in recent months. A feud is said to have erupted between the family and eldest son Brookyln - who is married to American Billionaire heiress Nicola Peltz. Fans became concerned for the Beckhams after they noticed Brooklyn and his wife snubbed David during his 50th birthday celebrations in May. In subsequent months, there have been reports that Brooklyn and Nicola have clashed with his younger brothers - while other reports have suggested the family have been at odds since Nicola and her husband got married in 2022. There have also been shady comments and social media quips that have left fans reading into the smallest details for evidence of a feud. On Saturday, social media posts featuring Romeo and his younger sister Harper hinted they were glad to be in the sun and away from feud-fuelled headlines. The duo were spotted heading out for dinner in St Tropez and both cut casual appearances. Romeo was pictured wearing a red baseball cap, teamed with a round neck white sweater. Meanwhile Harper opted for a white hoodie with the word "Seven" emblazoned across the front of it. Both looked in high spirits as they enjoyed an evening out with their parents. While Vicky, Dave and their kids have been lapping up the sun in France, estranged son Brooklyn has been spotted in the UK - far from his Hollywood home. The couple took a leisurely stroll through a picturesque garden where they were spied by fans. Nicola took a candid photo of her husband by a quaint garden well, while they both opted for casual outfits for their trip. One sweet photo shows Brooklyn kissing Nicola as they pose in front of a mirror. Fans noted, however, that the couple enjoyed time in the UK while the rest of the Beckham family were abroad - raising speculation they may have coordinated their trip to avoid a run in.
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
I tried Glasgow's new rooftop bar and restaurant, my verdict
Glasgow already boasts several great spots for sipping cocktails while watching the sun set over the skyline, including the Red Sky Bar in Finnieston, House of Gods in Merchant City and Kong in the city centre - just to mention a few. And last night, I went along to the newest addition to the scene, SíSí. My friend and I were invited to have a look around ahead of the official opening on August 1. I tried Glasgow's new rooftop bar and restaurant, my verdict (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) Our table (Image: Newsquest) READ NEXT: Glasgow's newest rooftop bar and restaurant to open soon The venue is located at the top of The Social Hub, just off Argyle Street and we were filled with excitement taking the rainbow-coloured elevator up to the eighth floor. Upon arrival, we were shown to our table next to a huge window, already providing a unique angle of Glasgow below us. But the real star of the evening was the rooftop, complete with tables and comfortable chairs. The spacious area was beautifully lit up as the sun set behind us - great timing on our part. Below, we could see the People's Palace, Glasgow Green, all along Argyle Street and Central Station form a truly unique point of view. Airmale and Cherry Paloma (Image: Newsquest) Papa dorata and baja hake (golden potato and panko hake) (Image: Newsquest) Tostada de cancrejo (white crab) (Image: Newsquest) READ NEXT: I visited a hidden Glasgow gem - it was a European summer dream After a wee wander outside, we sat down to enjoy our meal. SíSí serves Mexican-American inspired sharing plates paired with craft cocktails. We ordered seven dishes between us, including the excellent guacamole with chips, scallops, crab, a beef brisket tortilla dish and my personal favourite - the flautas. This is a vegetarian meal made of a fried corn tortilla stuffed with pumpkin, kale, queso oaxaca, crema and salsa macha. It was excellent and very filling. The plates were beautifully presented, light and delicious. What impressed me mostly was how well-seasoned the food was. Ceviche verde (scallops) (Image: Newsquest) Churros and mezcal cranachan (Image: Newsquest) Rooftop view (Image: Newsquest) READ NEXT: I tried this Glasgow restaurant days before it closes The scallops, specifically, were very flavourful in a brine made with verdita, olives, avocado and pumpkin seeds. To drink, we tried four cocktails between us: the Cherry Paloma, the Airmail, the Trouble in Paradise and Coco Maiz. They were all great, but if I had to highlight one of them, the Cherry Paloma was the perfect amount of fruity and smoky. If I could do it all over again, I would order that and not let my friend pick it first, leaving me with only a couple of sips of goodness. We even had space for dessert, mezcal cranachan for me and churros for my dining partner. Overall, I enjoyed our time very much at SíSí, I only wish the weather had been a bit warmer and drier for the occasion. During the next heatwave, you will know where to find me.
