California Governor Signs Laws to Safeguard Actors from Unauthorized AI Use

California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially approved new legislation aimed at safeguarding Hollywood actors and performers from unauthorized use of artificial intelligence. The laws are designed to prevent the creation of digital clones of performers without their consent.

This legislative action comes amid increasing concerns over the influence of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry, which has, until this point, remained largely unregulated in the United States.

Newsom, a Democrat, is striving to balance the need for public protection and worker rights against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving entertainment sector. “We continue to wade through uncharted territory when it comes to how AI and digital media are transforming the entertainment industry, but our North Star has always been to protect workers,” he stated, emphasizing that the new laws will help maintain industry growth while bolstering worker protections regarding the use of their likenesses.

The impetus for this legislation was partly fueled by last year’s Hollywood actors’ strike, which raised issues concerning low wages and the potential for studios to utilize AI to replace human performers. As a result, the new laws grant performers the ability to exit existing contracts if the language within those contracts is vague and could enable studios to use AI to replicate their voices and images. This law is slated to go into effect in 2025 and is endorsed by the California Labor Federation and SAG-AFTRA.

Additionally, another law signed by Newsom, which also has the backing of SAG-AFTRA, prohibits the digital cloning of deceased performers for commercial purposes without the explicit permission of their estates. Supporters of this law stress its significance as a means to prevent misuse, referencing incidents where companies have created fake, AI-generated entertainment, such as a comedy special that imitated the late comedian George Carlin without any consent from his estate.

Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA, expressed strong support for the new legislation, stating, “It is a momentous day for SAG-AFTRA members and everyone else because the AI protections we fought so hard for last year are now expanded upon by California law.” She added, “They say as California goes, so goes the nation!”

With these new measures, California positions itself as a leader in protecting performer rights against the use of AI technologies.

This initiative follows a trend set by other states, like Tennessee, which recently enacted a law aimed at protecting musicians and artists regarding similar issues.

Proponents of the new legislation contend that it fosters responsible AI use while still allowing for innovation within the entertainment sector. However, some organizations, such as the California Chamber of Commerce, argue that these laws may prove unenforceable and could result in complicated legal disputes in the future.

The two new laws are part of a broader legislative effort by California lawmakers to govern the rapidly advancing AI industry. Earlier in the year, Governor Newsom indicated his intention to sign a law aimed at regulating deepfake technology in elections, although he has yet to comment on other proposed measures, which include pioneering safety protocols for large AI models.

The governor is required to make decisions on various proposals by the end of September; he can choose to sign, veto, or allow them to become law without his signature.