New payments forestall AI-generated replicas from utilizing a performer’s voice or likeness.
LOS ANGELES — California will enact a slate of recent laws on January 1, 2025. A number of of them intention to reign within the unbridled energy of synthetic intelligence in present enterprise.
In September, Governor Gavin Newsom signed two payments into legislation to guard actors and performers from unauthorized use of their digital likenesses in audio and visible productions. The laws addresses issues about utilizing Synthetic Intelligence (AI) within the leisure trade.
Meeting Invoice 2602, authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, requires contracts to specify using AI-generated digital replicas of a performer’s voice or likeness. It mandates skilled illustration for performers throughout contract negotiations.
In the meantime, Meeting Invoice 1836, launched by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, prohibits the business use of digital replicas of deceased performers with out consent from their estates. This legislation covers movies, TV exhibits, video video games, audiobooks, and sound recordings.
On the time of the signing, Governor Newsom said, “We proceed to wade by way of uncharted territory concerning how AI and digital media are remodeling the leisure trade, however our North Star has at all times been to guard employees. This laws ensures the trade can proceed thriving whereas strengthening protections for employees and the way their likeness can or can’t be used.”
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher commented, “It’s a momentous day for SAG-AFTRA members and everybody else as a result of the AI protections we fought so onerous for final 12 months at the moment are expanded upon by California legislation due to the legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom.”
The payments will go into impact on January 1, 2025.
California, residence to 32 of the world’s 50 main AI corporations, goals to stability innovation with employee protection. The state has initiated efforts to make the most of AI for public profit, together with visitors discount and addressing homelessness.