Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several measures on Monday about artificial intelligence, among other restrictions geared at the rapidly advancing technology. These bills would allow performers greater control over their digital likenesses and combat the proliferation of deep fakes in political advertisements.
Newsom Signs AI Bills:
On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed two legislation governing the use of artificial intelligence-generated performances at SAG-AFTRA headquarters.
The law, which expands on the rights gained during the four-month actors’ strike against the big studios last year, was pushed for by the actors’ union. Compared to movies and television shows, the bills include voiceover work, advertising, and performances from video games.
“Our North Star has always been to protect workers, but we continue to wade through uncharted territory when it comes to how AI and digital media are transforming the entertainment industry,” Newsom said. “This legislation strengthens protections for workers and how their likeness can or cannot be used while ensuring the industry can continue to thrive.”
Newsom still needs to choose whether to approve several other AI-related measures that the California legislature has enacted this session, one of which requires AI developers to do safety testing.
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There hasn’t been as much debate about the entertainment expenses. The Motion Picture Association, which speaks for the big studios, was initially against them but changed its mind when changes were made to safeguard free speech and regular post-production methods.
SAG-AFTRA is not attempting to stop producers from replicating performances using artificial intelligence. However, its goal is to shield actors and actresses from unauthorized use of their likenesses.
Contracts for AI activities must clearly identify the intended purpose, as required by AB 2602. Performance contracts usually include likeness rights, often with broad language worldwide and in all media, whether now known or subsequently conceived. The measure would clarify that, unless expressly stated with reasonable precision, such agreements do not confer the right to build an AI clone.
The other, AB 1836, gives the estate of a deceased performer the ability to approve an AI duplicate by applying the same logic. After the performer’s passing, the right is valid for 70 years.
Alongside Newsom, the legislation were signed by the executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, secretary-treasurer Joely Fisher, and actors’ union president Fran Drescher.
Similar legislation, known as the No Fakes Act, is being pushed by SAG-AFTRA in Congress. It would make it illegal to replicate anybody, including performers, without their consent. “They say that with California, the country goes with it!” stated Drescher in a release.
