Two bills mandate new protections against the dangers of artificial intelligence technology.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom visited SAG-AFTRA headquarters in Los Angeles, where he signed into law critical legislation that will give individuals more agency over the use of their voice and likeness. At a meeting convened at SAG-AFTRA Plaza with SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher and National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, Newsom signed AB 2602 and AB1836. AB 2602 requires informed consent by performers prior to use of their digital replicas, and AB 1836 provides updated protections to the voice and likeness rights of deceased performers.
Drescher said, “It is a momentous day for SAG-AFTRA members and everyone else, because the A.I. protections we fought so hard for last year are now expanded upon by California law thanks to the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom. They say as California goes, so goes the nation!
“A.I. poses a threat not just to performers in the entertainment industry, but to workers in all fields, in all industries everywhere. No technology should be introduced into society without extreme caution and careful consideration of its long-term impact on humanity and the natural world. We are so grateful to Gov. Newsom for recognizing that performers matter, and their contributions have value.”
Crabtree-Ireland said, “SAG-AFTRA applauds Gov. Newsom. AB 1836 and AB 2602 represent much-needed legislation prioritizing the rights of individuals in the A.I. age. 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 A.I. replication without real consent.
“I also want to recognize and thank SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher and SAG-AFTRA Vice President and Los Angeles Local President Jodi Long for their advocacy on this legislation. Secretary-Treasurer Fisher’s outreach to the governor’s office advocating for the legislation was important in securing its ultimate approval. Vice President Long delivered compelling personal testimony in Sacramento at the California Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on AB 1836,” Crabtree-Ireland added.
The two bills mandate new protections against the dangers of artificial intelligence technology.
AB 1836 prohibits the use of a deceased person’s voice or likeness in digital replicas without the prior consent of their estate. The bill updates current law and removes existing exemptions for film, TV, audiovisual works and more when it comes to digital replication.
AB 2602 prohibits contractual provisions that would allow for the use of a digital replica of an individual's voice or likeness in place of the individual's actual services, unless the provision includes a reasonably specific description of the intended uses of the digital replica and the individual was represented by legal counsel or a labor union. This bill is the first of its kind in the United States.
California Governor Gavin Newsom (L) with SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher
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Front: California Governor Gavin Newsom (L) and SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher (R) Back: SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher (L) and SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland
About SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.