California Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Protect Actors’ Rights in the Face of AI Cloning
A California lawmaker has introduced legislation that aims to give actors an avenue to terminate contracts that involve the use of their likeness to create digital avatars through artificial intelligence (AI). The bill, known as AB459, allows actors, including voice actors, to nullify contracts related to AI-generated clones of their voices, faces, and bodies if they are not represented by a labor union or lawyer. Assemblymember Ash Kalra, who represents California’s 25th Assembly District, introduced the bill. He believes that without proper representation and collective bargaining agreements, actors are at risk of losing control over their digital selves and careers.
Protecting Performers’ Rights in the Digital Age
Assemblymember Kalra argues that it is essential to have common-sense requirements on contract terms in a world where AI can potentially replace human actors. The bill aims to mandate informed consent and representation for performers, ensuring they are not unknowingly exposed to the risk of losing control over their digital identities and livelihoods. Contracts that fail to clearly define the uses of AI-generated replicas would be deemed unenforceable under California law.
AI Use a Key Issue in Hollywood Negotiations
The use of AI tools is one of the major points of contention in negotiations between SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) members and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). In June, SAG-AFTRA members voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike due to unresolved issues such as informed consent and fair compensation for the use of AI or digital technology in recreating actors’ images or likenesses. Talks between the two groups collapsed in July, leading SAG-AFTRA members to join the striking members of the Writers Guild of America on the picket lines.
Other Demands on the Table
While concerns about AI-generated replicas are a priority for SAG-AFTRA, other demands include wage increases, improved compensation for streaming programs, and enhanced health and retirement benefits. The ongoing actors’ strike has disrupted Hollywood productions, with no resolution in sight.
Hot Take: Protecting Actors’ Rights in the Age of AI Cloning
The introduction of AB459 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra reflects the growing concerns within the entertainment industry about the use of AI to clone actors’ voices, faces, and bodies. By seeking to nullify contracts that do not provide adequate representation and collective bargaining agreements, this legislation aims to protect performers’ rights in the digital age. It highlights the need for informed consent and fair compensation when utilizing AI technology for replicating human actors. As negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and producers continue, it remains to be seen how this bill will impact future agreements and shape the evolving relationship between AI and the entertainment industry.
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