It’s official, the efforts of our New York-based members helped turn the Right of Publicity bill into New York State law. In July I reported that the New York State Legislature overwhelmingly passed a bill that finally updates the right of publicity and also prohibits the distribution of digitally created, sexually explicit performances without clear performer consent. Yesterday, Nov. 30, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed that bill into law, and our members officially retain their rights to protect themselves against image and voice exploitation in the state of New York.
As technology increasingly eases the barriers to misusing a performer’s likeness, this progressive law evens the playing field. It not only safeguards the rights of those of us working today, but ensures these rights for families of deceased performers as well, preventing the misuse of one’s likeness and voice for others’ gain. The new statute also contains strict prohibitions against deepfakes, digitally created sexually explicit works, without clear and written approval from the performer depicted. We applaud Governor Cuomo for taking the final step to protect our members and all performers.
Special thanks to former Screen Actors Guild President and New York Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) Committee Chair Richard Masur for his help in pursuing this bill’s passage, the New York Local Board and delegates for their persistence in getting out the word and New York Executive Director Jeffrey Bennett and the GAPP team who supported these critical efforts.
As we head into the holiday season, I wish you and your family good health. Wear a mask, wash your hands and practice physical distancing.
Onward together,
Rebecca Damon
New York Local President
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