AI Actor Replacement Against The Law In Crucial State

This past Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills that stemmed from efforts from SAG-AFTRA, who have been fighting tirelessly to protect its members from what they call unfair use of an actor’s likeness. The first bill, AB-1836, protects a deceased performer from being replaced with an AI actor (through their voice or their likeness) unless that person’s estate gives prior consent.

Like the first bill, AB-2602 doesn’t outright ban the use of AI actors. But it does state that a digital replica of an individual’s “voice or likeness” used in place of that person’s actual services is unlawful UNLESS that individual gave permission. And after permission is granted, the user must adhere to whatever contractual descriptions the performer detailed in exchange for the use.