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Entertainment NewsCalifornia Gov. Newsom Signs Two AI Bills to Protect Actors

California Gov. Newsom Signs Two AI Bills to Protect Actors

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Governor Gavin Newsom has made headlines by signing two landmark bills into law aimed at protecting performers in the age of . The new laws, AB 2602 and AB 1836, were celebrated by the Screen Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which played a pivotal role in their development.

A Historic Move for Performer Rights

On Monday, Governor Newsom officially signed the bills at the SAG-AFTRA headquarters in , a significant venue symbolizing the for performers’ rights. Both pieces of legislation were passed by the California state Senate in and are seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the livelihoods of actors in an evolving digital landscape.

AB 2602 specifically addresses the use of digital replicas, prohibiting contracts that allow for the replacement of live performances with digital versions unless certain conditions are met. Performers must be legally represented and given a clear, specific description of how their digital likeness will be used.

AB 1836 focuses on the rights of deceased performers, mandating that entertainment companies obtain consent from the estates of these individuals before using their digital likenesses. This law refines the existing postmortem right of publicity laws, which could have been exploited by companies in the era of AI.

Protecting Creativity and Representation

In a statement during the signing ceremony, Governor Newsom highlighted the importance of representation in creative industries. “California is a state of dreamers and doers, but sometimes those dreamers aren’t well-represented,” he said. He emphasized that the new laws ensure that performers’ names, images, and likenesses are protected from exploitation by those who may not have their best interests at heart.

SAG-AFTRA has been actively working to secure these protections since the recent 118-day strike, which ended with a new contract mandating consent for digital replicas and detailing their intended use. In this context, the new laws are an extension of the union’s hard-fought victories in 2023.

A Momentous Day for SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher expressed her enthusiasm about the new laws, calling the day “momentous” for the union’s members. “The A.I. protections we fought so hard for last year are now expanded upon by California law,” she stated, thanking both the legislature and Governor Newsom for their support.

Ongoing Advocacy for AI Regulations

The battle for performer rights doesn’t stop here. SAG-AFTRA continues to advocate for further regulation of AI-driven digital replicas and synthetic performers. The union supported ‘s Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security () Act, signed into law in , and is currently pushing for federal legislation called the Nurture Originals, Foster Art and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act. This ongoing advocacy highlights the necessity for comprehensive protections as technology continues to advance.

Conclusion

Governor Newsom’s signing of AB 2602 and AB 1836 marks a significant victory for performers in California and sets a precedent for how digital technology interacts with artistic rights. As the entertainment navigates the complexities of AI, these laws provide a framework that prioritizes consent, representation, and ethical practices, ensuring that performers’ voices are not only heard but protected in this new digital era.

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Megan Dianehttps://www.projectcasting.com
Hi, I'm Megan Browne, the Head of Partnerships at Project Casting - a job board for the entertainment industry. As Head of Partnerships, I help businesses find the best talent for their influencer campaigns, photo shoots, and film productions. Creating these partnerships has enabled me to help businesses scale and reach their true potential. I'm excited to continue driving growth by connecting people with projects they're passionate about.

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