Newsom signs bills to protect actors, performers from AI

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills on Tuesday that aim to protect actors and performers from having their names, images and likenesses copied by artificial intelligence without authorization.

“We’re making sure that no one turns over their name, image and likeness to unscrupulous people without representation or union advocacy,” Newsom said in a video posted on X.

One of the bills protects actors and performers from binding contracts that allow artificial intelligence to use replicas of their digital voices or images in place of in-person work unless a performer has representation.

The second law protects an artist’s digital likeness even after death — meaning entertainment companies must get permission from the performer’s family or estate before making a digital replica.

Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, a labor union representing performers and broadcasters, joined the governor.

“This is really a momentous experience because we worked so hard in our TV/theatrical contract negotiation and subsequent strike, and to have now the state of California and your support in making sure that we are protected with our likeness and everything — it just means the world,” Drescher said in the video.

She added that Newsom’s actions will resonate with people “all over the world that are feeling threatened by AI.”

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