Gov. Newsom signs bills to protect Hollywood actors from AI

FILE PHOTO: Hollywood’s video game performers voted to go on strike after talks for a new contract with major game studios broke down over artificial intelligence protections. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

LOS ANGELES – Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Tuesday at SAG-AFTRA headquarters in Los Angeles aimed at protecting actors from being replaced by digital imposters without their consent.

Labor unions have raised major concerns about artificial intelligence, fearing the technology could eliminate jobs. It was a key sticking point in negotiations during the actors’ strike last year, which lasted 118 days and ended with a deal that included AI safeguards.

“We talk about California being a state of dreamers and doers – a lot of dreamers come to California, but sometimes they’re not well-represented,” the governor said in a video announcing the signings with SAG- AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “We’re making sure no one turns over their name, image and likeness to unscrupulous people without representation or union advocacy.”

Newsom signed AB 2602, which mandates informed consent from performers before using their digital replicas, and AB 1836, which strengthens protections for the voice and likeness rights of deceased performers.

Gov. Gavin Newsom with SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. Photo from the Governor of California website

Industry groups such as the Motion Picture Association of America opposed the legislation, claiming it would stifle innovation and lead to expensive legal battles, according to Politico. However, Newsom backed labor, delivering key victories to actors seeking greater control.

“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 thanks to the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom,” Drescher said.

She added, “They say as California goes, so goes the nation.”

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, national executive director and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, said, “No one should live in fear of becoming someone else’s unpaid digital puppet. Gov. Newsom has led the way in protecting people — and families — from AI replication without real consent.”

Thousands of actors who perform in voice-over and motion-capture work in the video game industry went on strike in late July, after SAG-AFTRA and the companies couldn’t agree on terms regarding artificial intelligence.

Earlier this month, the union announced 80 video games had signed SAG-AFTRA’s tiered-budget or interim agreements, which include AI protections.

Video game producer Lightspeed LA also agreed to produce current and future games under the SAG-AFTRA Interim Interactive Media Agreement, according to the union. (CNS)