California Law Requires Consent for AI Use of Deceased Actors' Likeness

California has enacted a law mandating that film studios obtain permission from the estates of deceased actors before using AI to replicate their likeness. This legislation is part of broader efforts to protect performers in the age of generative AI.
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9/17/2024

9/1/2024

ScoreValue
Scale

6

Novelty

7

Positivity

6

Reliability

8

Actionability

3

Society

7

Journalism

4

Highlights

  • California lawmakers approved a new law requiring film studios to obtain permission from the estates of deceased actors before using AI to replicate their likeness.
  • The law aims to enhance performer protections in the context of generative artificial intelligence.
  • The legislation is expected to be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and could influence similar regulations across the U.S. and globally.
  • The Screen Actors Guild has expressed support for the new law as part of their strategy to protect performers.
  • The law addresses concerns raised by instances where studios used AI to recreate deceased actors without consent.

Perspectives

  • The Screen Actors Guild views the new law as a significant victory in their ongoing efforts to enhance protections for performers against the misuse of AI technology, reflecting a growing concern over the implications of generative AI in the entertainment industry. [34][109]
  • Governor Gavin Newsom has previously warned that excessive regulation could hinder California's tech industry, indicating a tension between protecting individual rights and fostering innovation in AI technology. [109]