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California Enacts Laws to Protect Performers’ Digital Likenesses
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two bills into law to protect actors and other performers from unauthorized use of their digital likenesses.
These bills provide new legal protections for performers both during their lifetime and after death. They prohibit contracts that bind performers to allow the use of their digital voices or images in lieu of their actual work or to train artificial intelligence (AI).
The laws also allow the rights holders of deceased performers to sue if their digital likenesses are used without permission. This is a significant step in protecting performers’ identities from unauthorized commercial use.
Concerns over AI Impact on Artists
These laws come amid growing concerns over the impact of AI on the entertainment industry. AI technology can generate digital replicas of performers, which has raised concerns about potential job displacement.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has been advocating for these new protections. The union president, Fran Drescher, stated that the laws could "speak to people all over the world that are feeling threatened by AI."
Ongoing Debate over AI and Performer Rights
The future of AI and its impact on performers remains a subject of debate. The legislation signed by Newsom is a step towards addressing these concerns, but many performers and tech companies are awaiting the governor’s decision on a third bill that would regulate the development and use of AI.