Though the Hollywood strikes are over, the fight against artificial continues. SAG-AFTRAcontinues to be on the winning as California Governor Gavin Newsom visited their headquarters on Monday to sign a couple of bills regulating performances generated by artificial intelligence.
The actors’ guild fought for legislative change further reinforcing the protections they gained during their four-month strike against the AMPTP last year. The two bills go beyond covering Film, TV, and streaming, as voiceover work, commercials, and video game performances are included.
“We continue to wade through uncharted territory when it comes to how AI and digital media is transforming the entertainment industry, but our North Star has always been to protect workers. This legislation ensures the industry can continue thriving while strengthening protections for workers and how their likeness can or cannot be used.”
There are still several AI Bills awaiting the California Governor’s decision, including one imposing a safety testing requirement on AI developers.
SAG-AFTRA’s goal is not to stop AI, but to prevent producers from using AI to replicate any actor’s likeness in any capacity without consent or proper compensation.
One bill, AB 2602, requires that contracts for AI performances must explicitly state the intended use. Performance contracts usually include sweeping likeness rights, with language like “throughout the universe” and “in all media whether now known or hereafter devised.” The bill stresses that those contracts do not grant the right to generate an AI replica it is clearly stated with reasonable specificity.
As for the other bill, AB 1836, the same principle extends to deceased performers, granting the performer’s estate the right to consent to an AI replica. The right lasts 70 years after the performer’s death.
SAG-AFTRA is fighting for similar legislation in Congress, the No Fakes Act, which would outlaw non-consensual replicas of anyone.
For updates on the AI Bills, follow us on social media. For more information about SAG-AFTRA, visit their official website.
I'm a writer, Co-Founder, and CEO of Moriviews. I live in Trinidad, I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology but my real passions lie in literature and content spanning across film & television. I've been a pretty good writer for most of my life and I grew up in front of a TV and loved it. I decided to make a career combining my literary and analytical skills, and one day, God-willingly, I'll be making my own movies.
