SAG-AFTRA commends the California State Senate for passing a bill restricting the use of artificial intelligence-generated digital replicas of deceased artists.
The actors union shared a statement shortly after AB 1836 passed on Saturday: “For those who would use digital replicas of deceased performers in films, TV shows, video games, audiobooks, sound recordings and more, without first obtaining consent from those performers' estates, the California Senate just said NO. AB 1836 is another victory in SAG-AFTRA's ongoing strategy to enhance performer protections in a world of generative AI. The passage of this bill, along with AB 2602 earlier this week, builds on our patchwork of protections in law and contract.”
“Both of these bills have been a legislative priority for the union on behalf of our members and beyond, making opt-in mandatory in California,” the statement continued. “We look forward to seeing these bills signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.”
The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, where he will have until the end of September to decide whether to sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to pass into law without his signature. Earlier this week, the state Senate also passed AB 2602, which tightens consent requirements for digital replicas of living artists.
SAG-AFTRA has long been a proponent of legislative protections for the use of AI, particularly after the union’s 118-day strike last year, which largely hinged on AI provisions in its contracts with Hollywood studios and streamers.
At the federal level, bipartisan lawmakers have also been working on bills addressing AI protections, including the NO FAKES Act, which seeks to protect actors, singers, and others from AI programs that generate their likenesses and voices without their informed written consent. The No AI Fraud Act has also been introduced, which prohibits the publication and distribution of unauthorized digital replicas, including deepfakes and voice clones.