Gov. Newsom Signs Bills Providing AI Protections for Actors

On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom enacted two new laws aimed at securing greater protections for actors concerning their digital likenesses, in response to issues highlighted during last year’s Hollywood strike led by the performers guild SAG-AFTRA.

The first bill, AB1836, establishes penalties for creating and distributing a deceased person’s digital replica without obtaining permission from their estate. The second piece of legislation, AB2602, renders contracts unenforceable if a digital replica of an actor is used in circumstances where the actor could have performed the work in person. This applies if the contract lacks a clearly defined description of how the digital replica will be utilized and if the actor was not represented by legal counsel or their labor union at the time of signing.

“No one should live in fear of becoming someone else’s unpaid digital puppet,” stated Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director. He commended Gov. Newsom for his proactive steps in safeguarding individuals and their families from unauthorized AI replication.

Newsom signed the bills at the SAG-AFTRA headquarters in Los Angeles, emphasizing the importance of representation in these matters. In a video shared on SAG-AFTRA’s Instagram account, he remarked, “We’re making sure that no one turns over their name, image, and likeness to unscrupulous people without representation or union advocacy.”

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher hailed the day as momentous, stating that the AI protections fought for by the union have now been woven into state law. “A.I. poses a threat not just to performers in the entertainment industry, but to workers in all fields, in all industries everywhere,” she warned. “No technology should be introduced into society without extreme caution and careful consideration of its long-term impact on humanity and the natural world.”

The discussion around AI remains a hot topic within Hollywood, with many industry workers anxious about the potential for job losses due to rapidly advancing technology. Conversely, supporters of AI argue that it can serve as a powerful tool for creatives, enabling them to explore daring ideas without being limited by budget constraints.

The newly signed laws are part of a larger wave of around 50 AI-related bills currently under consideration in the state legislature. California’s political leaders are striving to address pressing public concerns surrounding the implications of artificial intelligence.

The passage of these laws signals a growing awareness and proactive approach toward the implications of AI in creative industries, setting a precedent for how digital likenesses should be handled. Advocates believe this will not only benefit performers but also establish important guidelines applicable across various sectors threatened by technological advancements.

As discussions surrounding AI continue to evolve, the measures taken by the state mark a significant step toward ensuring that the rights and livelihoods of individuals remain protected in an increasingly digital world.