Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs AI Bills Backed by SAG-AFTRA
variety.comGene Maddaus Senior Media Writer California Gov. Gavin Newsom visited SAG-AFTRA headquarters on Monday to sign two bills regulating the use of performances generated by artificial intelligence.
The actors’ union lobbied for passage of the legislation, which builds on the protections won during the four-month actors’ strike against the major studios last year.
The bills cover a wider range of performances than film an TV, including voiceover work, commercials and video game performances. “We continue to wade through uncharted territory when it comes to how AI and digital media is transforming the entertainment industry, but our North Star has always been to protect workers,” Newsom said in a statement. “This legislation ensures the industry can continue thriving while strengthening protections for workers and how their likeness can or cannot be used.” Newsom still has to decide whether to sign several other AI bills passed by the California legislature this session, including one imposing a safety testing requirement on AI developers.
The entertainment bills have been less controversial. The Motion Picture Association, which represents the major studios, initially opposed them, but switched its position to neutral once amendments were made to protect standard post-production techniques and free speech rights.
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