Entertainment Workers Secure Protections Against AI Misuse in Preliminary Agreement with Record Labels
Summary:
Entertainment workers have reached a preliminary agreement with leading record labels, ensuring increased minimum wages and protection against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI). The deal addresses concerns within the music industry about songs created by AI replicating artists' voices without permission. Under the agreement, secured through negotiations by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), terms such as "artist" and "singer" will refer solely to humans. The agreement also enhances benefits and increases the proportion of streaming revenue eligible for contributions. Final approval from members is expected in the coming weeks.
A preliminary deal has been struck between entertainment industry representatives and leading record labels such as Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, promising enhanced minimum wages and protection against the exploitation of artificial intelligence (AI). The Hollywood actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, announced on their website that their executive committee had unanimously endorsed the agreement which covers the period from 2021 to 2026 and represents approximately 160,000 actors and media professionals.
The agreement is a response to the significant challenges faced by the music industry concerning songs created by generative AI, a method that permits online users to imitate artists' voices often without authorization from the artists themselves. The proposed deal stipulates that consent and reimbursement be obtained before songs featuring digital imitations of artists' voices are released.
In terms of this agreement, the phrases "artist," "singer," and "royalty artist" explicitly refer to humans. Additionally, it includes improvements in health and retirement advantages, as well as an increase in the proportion of streaming revenue that is eligible for contributions. Final approval from members is expected in the coming weeks.
Following considerable negotiation between SAG-AFTRA and major studios last year, the AI protection agreement was reached in response to the rising concerns the technology has raised within the entertainment sector. The discussions culminated in November with the signing of an agreed contract.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator, opines that authentic human expression and life experiences should continually form the foundation of music. He stated, "This agreement ensures that our members are protected. Although technology can enhance the creative process, the core of the music must always be grounded in authentic human expression and experience."
Earlier this year, a similar agreement was reached between the union and Replica Studios, a company that specializes in AI voice technology, regarding the use of AI voices in video games. This deal permits performers to give their consent and negotiate terms with the AI company, and it also gives performers the right to decline the "continued use" of their voices in "new projects."
In the sphere of film, AI offers extensive possibilities, including the generation of realistic sets and cost-effectiveness, demonstrating the capability of completely reimagining the film creation process due to its increased creative adaptability and decreased production costs. However, despite its revolutionary power, the AI protection agreement seeks to maintain the integrity of the industry by ensuring that those contributing to it receive appropriate credit.
Published At
4/13/2024 11:08:46 AM
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