SAG-AFTRA NED Participates on A.I. Forum in D.C.

As part of SAG-AFTRA’s continuing efforts to lead the discussion on artificial intelligence and new technology, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland participated in an AI Insight Forum, hosted by Senator Chuck Schumer, in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 29.

In addition to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the AI Insight Forum included Sens. Martin Heinrich, Mike Rounds and Todd Young.  Duncan’s remarks focused on the impact of A.I. on the livelihoods of creatives.

Crabtree-Ireland stressed the need for federal protections against the non-consensual use of people’s likenesses or voices. He also highlighted that while powerful artificial intelligence technology could be used to benefit humanity, it could also be used for less noble ends.

“The potential for A.I. to improve healthcare and climate, diminish poverty and strengthen education is real,” Crabtree-Ireland said. “The potential for A.I. to advance and improve storytelling is also real. However, we must never relegate the importance of human creativity and human ingenuity in these fields. To prioritize humanity and human creativity, we must enact smart, strong AI regulations. For SAG-AFTRA, that starts with protecting the voice and likeness assets of our creative members.”

Other speakers included representatives of labor, industry organizations, A.I. companies, think tanks, educational institutions and more.

Fellow labor leader Vanessa Holtgrewe, assistant department director of motion picture and television production at IATSE, urged Congress to maintain strong copyright and intellectual property laws.

“In our view, the most pressing area of focus for policymaking and regulatory action by the United States Congress is maintaining strong copyright and intellectual property laws. A.I. is the next frontier of large-scale online piracy,” she said. 

Top photo: SAG-AFTRA Executive Director, New York Local, Labor Policy & International Affairs Rebecca Damon; Sen. Chuck Schumer; and SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland in D.C.