California has passed two bills aimed at protecting the digital likenesses of actors and performers from artificial intelligence.
The two bills, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday, aim to strengthen protections for audio-visual production workers amid the rapidly evolving AI industry, according to a news release.
AB 2602 would require that any AI-generated digital replicas of a performer’s voice or likeness used with permission must be specified in a contract, and that a professional representative must be present during any such contract negotiations, the news release said.
Another law, AB 1836, would prohibit the commercial use of digital replicas of deceased actors without the consent of their families. The law aims to curb the use of deceased actors’ work in films, television shows, audiobooks, video games and other media, the news release added.
“So many people come to California to pursue their dreams, but sometimes they don’t have enough representation,” Gov. Newsom said in a video posted to X on Tuesday. “And with this bill that SAG and I signed, we’re going to make sure that no one puts their name and likeness in the hands of unscrupulous people without representation and the backing of a union.”
Actors’ union strike demands AI protections, followed by legislation
The bill echoes the views of Hollywood actors’ unions SAG-AFTRA, which negotiated for stronger protections from AI during last year’s double attack.
“It’s really amazing to have the support of the state of California and you to protect our likeness and everything else,” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher told Newsom in an X video. “Your action today will be a voice for people all over the world who feel threatened by AI.”
The historic 118-day actors’ strike lasted until November as actors fought for better pay and AI safeguards in the streaming era.
“AI was a deal-breaker,” Drescher said in November. “If we don’t get that package, what are we going to do to protect our members?”
About 86 percent of SAG-AFTRA’s national committee approved the contract, which also includes benefits such as pay increases and a “streaming participation bonus.”
Video game actors strike over AI protections
Since July 26, video game voice actors and motion capture performers have been on strike following the failure of labor contract negotiations over AI protections for workers.
Since the contract expired in November 2022, negotiations have been ongoing with major video game companies such as Activision Productions, Electronic Arts and Epic Games.
“Despite reaching an agreement on many issues important to SAG-AFTRA members, the employers refuse to explicitly affirm in clear, enforceable language that the AI language will protect all performers covered by this contract,” SAG-AFTRA said in a statement.
Contributor: Brian Alexander
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California passes bill granting AI protections for actors
