Artificial intelligence is growing fast, but laws to regulate it have been slow to follow. The state senate has now passed a bill that many are calling a win, requiring consent before using AI to recreate a dead performer’s likeness.
The rapidly developing technology of AI makes it easier than ever to impersonate famous figures, raising new concerns. Public figures and performers are worried that deepfakes and other fabricated videos could negatively impact their legacy after they are gone.
“There’s a certain integrity for yourself,” said local actor Robert Chestnut. “For someone just to be able to take it and just squash your whole character.”
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The use of AI to recreate performers – whether alive or not – has long been an issue in Hollywood, sparking strikes and outcry. While SAG-AFTRA has had a collective bargaining agreement in place, a bill passed by the California Senate over the weekend takes things a step further.