California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills aimed at protecting actors and performers from unauthorized use of their digital likenesses. The laws provide legal protections during and after the performers’ lifetimes and address concerns around the impact of AI on artists’ labor. One of the laws, AB 2602, prevents artists from being bound to contracts allowing the use of their digital voices or images without consent. The other law, AB 1836, focuses on protecting digital likenesses after a performer’s death, allowing rights holders to sue if replicas are used without permission.
These laws were supported by SAG-AFTRA and other organizations in response to increasing concerns over AI technology being used to replicate voices and images without consent. The laws also aim to address issues surrounding deepfake technology and the potential replacement of human work in the entertainment industry. Newsom also has the option to sign a third bill, SB 1047, which would require AI developers to comply with safety and security guidelines before training their AI models.
Several actors and advocacy groups have expressed support for these laws, highlighting the need to protect performers’ rights and prevent unauthorized use of their images and voices. The legislation reflects the ongoing challenges faced by performers in navigating the evolving landscape of AI technology and its potential impact on the entertainment industry. These laws aim to provide a framework for ensuring that performers have control over the use of their digital likenesses and are fairly compensated for their work.
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