California Governor Signs Bill to Protect Actors from Unauthorized AI Use

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a landmark bill aimed at safeguarding actors from the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry.

The new legislation, as reported by the Associated Press, prohibits Hollywood studios from creating digital copies of actors and actresses without their explicit consent. This move addresses concerns over the ambiguous nature of existing contracts, which could be terminated if actors refused to allow the use of AI to create digital copies of their voices or likenesses.

The law, set to take effect in 2025, marks a significant step forward in protecting the rights of actors in the face of emerging technologies. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of safeguarding workers’ rights while allowing the industry to thrive.

“We continue to navigate uncharted waters as we look to how AI and digital media will transform the entertainment industry, but one thing that remains constant is the need to protect workers,” Newsom said in a statement. “This bill will strengthen protections for workers while allowing the industry to thrive.”

In addition to protecting living actors, Governor Newsom also signed a bill banning the commercial use of digital copies of deceased celebrities without the consent of their estates.