Hollywood actors’ union disagrees with studios on AI concerns

The union representing Hollywood actors, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), has voiced disagreements with the studio’s offer, including their concerns about the use of AI in the film industry. AI technology could be used to create artificial, hyper-realistic, but entirely fake video content, often by superimposing one person’s face onto another’s body. The actors’ union is pushing for safeguards concerning the implementation of AI and seeking guarantees that their digital representations will not be exploited without their explicit consent in AI-generated productions.

In July, union members went on strike to demand protections against the use of AI, better pay in the age of streaming, and other gains. The movie industry could potentially leverage AI technology to replace performers or create content without their presence or permission.

On Saturday, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents companies in the industry like Netflix and Walt Disney Netflix, presented what they consider their final offer.

Why does it matter?

SAG-AFTRA is particularly worried about the impact of using AI on actors’ rights. The union’s argument is that AI-generated content could violate actors’ rights to control their image and performance. The concern is also about the potential for job losses if AI starts replacing humans in acting.