SAG-AFTRA celebrates passage of California AI bill regulating use of digital replicas
As a seasoned cinema devotee with decades of industry experience under my belt, I can wholeheartedly applaud SAG-AFTRA for their recent victory in regulating AI usage. The passage of AB 2602 is a much-needed protection for performers, ensuring that our voice and likeness are not replaced by cold, heartless machines.
This week, the performers’ union SAG-AFTRA is rejoicing over a significant triumph: the approval of a law aimed at controlling AI usage within the local entertainment sector.
On Tuesday, the California Senate approved Assembly Bill 2602, which restricts employers from utilizing artificial intelligence-made digital doppelgangers instead of real human performers in specific situations.
If the legislation is enacted, it would prohibit employers from utilizing an AI-generated voice or image of a performer in situations where such use substitutes for work that the performer could have performed personally. This restriction applies if the employment contract doesn’t clarify how the digital replica will be used (as long as the use diverges from previously agreed terms), and if the performer did not have legal or union representation during the negotiation of the deal.
The bill has been sent to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, where he must choose between vetoing the law or allowing it to become effective by signing it.
“Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the national executive director and lead negotiator of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, expressed great joy because one of our major legislative goals, bill AB 2602, has been successfully passed in California.”
“This legislation, designed to safeguard not just SAG-AFTRA artists but performers overall, is a significant stride forward. In the era of digital duplication, it’s crucial that voice and likeness rights are fortified with robust regulations on licensing to prevent misuse. This bill aims to establish those protective barriers.”
Bill AB 2602, which SAG-AFTRA has aided in crafting, is among three pieces of legislation aimed at establishing legal safeguards for performers regarding AI. However, certain technology firms have expressed reservations about this law, advocating for careful consideration to avoid excessive regulation.
This week, the union’s efforts to limit AI expanded onto protest lines, as video game actors who were on strike persisted in urging developers to fulfill their requests directly.
On Wednesday, actors who specialize in voiceovers and motion capture for video games staged a protest at the Warner Bros. studio in Burbank, continuing their efforts to negotiate better contracts.
AI also emerged as a major sticking point during last year’s writers’ and actors’ strikes.
“The union, SAG-AFTRA, is going on strike as part of this agreement, ensuring that its members who work in interactive media (such as video games) can carry on making a living while pursuing the job they are passionate about,” the union stated.
“The labor and image rights of our members are being misused by artificial intelligence, and gaming corporations have shown no willingness to provide a reasonable agreement that tackles this critical issue.”
Video game companies have voiced their displeasure over the union’s choice to stage a strike, as both sides were “on the brink of an agreement.” They assert they are ready to pick up where they left off in the negotiation process.
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2024-08-29 00:01