A landmark deal between Hollywood actors and studios has secured crucial protections for performers using AI technology in their work.
The four-year contract, ratified by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), aims to mitigate the risks associated with AI-generated content, including deepfakes and voice cloning.
Key Protections in the Deal
Actors will now have greater control over the use of their likenesses and voices in AI-generated content. The deal requires studios to obtain explicit consent from performers before using AI to recreate their voices or images in films, TV shows, or commercials.
Additionally, the contract establishes a system for reporting and addressing AI-generated content that may infringe on actors’ rights or compromise their intellectual property. This includes provisions for detecting and removing deepfakes and other forms of AI-manipulated content that feature actors without their consent.
“A Major Victory for the Union”
“This is a major victory for the union and a significant step forward in protecting the rights of performers in the age of AI,” said John Cho, a SAG-AFTRA board member and key negotiator on the contract. “We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that our members have a say in how their likenesses and voices are used in AI-generated content.”
The deal also provides for training programs to educate actors about the risks and opportunities associated with AI technology, as well as a fund to support performers who may be affected by AI-generated content.
What this means
The landmark deal sets a new precedent for the entertainment industry, recognizing the potential risks and benefits of AI technology and establishing clear protections for performers. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent in films, TV shows, and commercials, this deal will help ensure that actors’ rights and intellectual property are respected and protected.
