California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently signed legislation aimed at protecting Hollywood actors and performers from unauthorized use of artificial intelligence. This move comes as part of a broader effort by California legislators to regulate the rapidly evolving entertainment industry, which has had little oversight in the United States.
The new laws, supported by organizations like the California Labor Federation and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), seek to address concerns raised by Hollywood actors during a strike last year over low wages and the potential use of AI technology to replace workers. One law allows performers to back out of contracts if vague language could allow studios to digitally clone their voices and likeness using AI, while another prevents dead performers from being digitally cloned for commercial purposes without permission from their estates.
Supporters of the legislation argue that it will protect workers in the entertainment industry while fostering responsible AI use and innovation. However, opponents, including the California Chamber of Commerce, have raised concerns about the enforceability of the new laws and the potential for legal disputes in the future.
California is among the first states in the nation to establish performer protection against AI, following in the footsteps of Tennessee, which enacted similar legislation earlier this year to protect musicians and artists. Governor Newsom is expected to continue his efforts to regulate the AI industry, with pending proposals aimed at cracking down on election deepfakes and establishing safety measures for large AI models.
As the September 30 deadline approaches for the governor to sign or veto additional AI-related proposals, the future of AI regulation in California remains uncertain. Newsom's actions will likely have far-reaching implications for the entertainment industry and the use of AI technology in the state.