Estate of Late Hong Kong Singer Khalil Fong Prohibits AI Use of His Works

The estate and record label of late Hong Kong singer-songwriter Khalil Fong have released a statement banning the use of his works for artificial intelligence (AI) training, in a move to protect his musical legacy.

The musician passed away on February 21 this year at the age of 41, after a long battle with an unspecified illness.

With generative AI technology advancing rapidly, the statement states that the ban covers all of Khalil’s creations, including recordings, musical compositions, audiovisual works, as well as his name, image, likeness, written materials, data, and metadata.

Any form of copying, machine learning, web scraping, data mining, or use of his works to train AI systems or large language models is strictly prohibited.

The statement also cites the EU Directive and Hong Kong’s Copyright Ordinance, asserting that all rights are reserved to the fullest extent of the law.  

Observers see this as a step to protect artists’ creative efforts and intellectual property in the age of AI.  

Both Khalil’s estate management and Fu Music stressed that these rights apply to all existing and future works, including those already been publicly released.

Anyone who wishes to use Khalil’s works for AI-related purposes must first contact the estate via email to obtain written permission. The estate reserves the right to decide whether to grant authorisation and under what terms.

According to the statement, the decision reflects Khalil’s love for music.

Even while battling illness, he continued to compose and produce tirelessly.

Though he once acknowledged that AI-generated vocals might be acceptable to some people today, to honour Khalil’s passion for genuine creation, his estate wishes to preserve the purest form of his voice.

Photos: Fu Music/Facebook