October 4, 2024

SAG-AFTRA releases agreement, details AI protections

Members of the SAG-AFTRA union will be able to give their consent and be compensated for generative artificial intelligence (AI) used to replicate their likeness, according to a summary of the union’s tentative agreement with studios released Monday.

The tentative deal with the AMPTP, or the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, establishes guidelines for the use of AI — marking a first for the union, which represents about 160,000 actors and other media professionals.

Actors had been pushing for protection from the technology that can create realistic portrayals of performers’ likenesses as the tools were becoming more widespread and posing challenges for how actors are compensated for work.