SAG-AFTRA Praises Governor Newsom for Taking Action ‘Against AI Abuse’ With New Law: ‘California Stands With Performers’
SAG-AFTRA expressed its gratitude to California lawmakers Monday after new legislation to protect an artist’s likeness was signed into law.
SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin and SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland issued a statement to union members during the update, calling out Governor Gavin Newsom and State Senators Angelique Ashby and Dave Cortese for protecting actors from those who might copy their images without their consent.
“This is a clear statement that California stands with artists against the misuse of AI,” Astin said. he wrote in his statement. “We are grateful to Gov. Newsom, the bills’ sponsors, State Senators Ashby and Cortese, and the Legislature for advancing practical and enforceable protections, and we especially thank our staff and legal experts at SAG-AFTRA for their tireless efforts to assist with drafting, outreach, and lobbying in a highly effective manner while working with the government to protect our communities.”
Crabtree-Ireland expressed a similar sentiment, explaining to union members that the legislation, known as “SB 683,” would help “expeditiously remove illegal content, protect people whose voice or image is being misused, and protect consumers who may be targeted by fraud.”
“SAG‑AFTRA will continue to work with members, platforms, AI models, and manufacturers to ensure that voice and likeness are preserved in the AI world,” the Association’s National Executive Director continued.
According to the union, this law offers people a “meaningful solution” if their identities are misused, especially for commercial purposes. In legislation, Newsom signed on Friday.Courts may order removal of unauthorized copies during litigation.
As SAG-AFTRA notes in its memo, this means victims “will not be subjected to ongoing harm.”
Hollywood has had an uneasy relationship with artificial intelligence in recent years; Many celebrities, including Tom Hanks, Keanu Reeves and Jamie Lee Curtis, are calling out the ads for using their likenesses (whether it’s appearance or voice) without their permission.
on thursday, SAG-AFTRA blasts OpenAI’s Sora 2We condemn the app’s “opt-out” model.
“If AI companies can shift the burden of opt-out to rights holders, what does copyright really mean? Opt-out is not consent, let alone informed consent. That’s why SAG-AFTRA fights for opt-in approaches. No one’s creative work, image, likeness, or voice should be used without affirmative, informed consent. Anything less is an unjust violation of our rights,” the statement read.
Before this announcement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman promised to give more “granular controlBut he told rights holders that the company could make “some missteps” as the changes unfold.
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