Navigating the Pros and Cons of Actors' AI Protections

The tentative deal between SAG-AFTRA and the studios includes provisions on artificial intelligence (AI), specifically regarding digital replicas of actors and "synthetic performers" created by AI tools. While the deal establishes protections and compensation for actors, concerns remain about the potential for studios to negotiate directly with performers for AI usage, bypassing the union. The agreement also allows studios to use actors' performances as training data for AI systems. Critics argue that the deal may not fully protect actors' rights and could normalize the use of AI in contravention of the agreement's intentions.