California Governor Signs Bills To Protect Performers From Unauthorized AI Deepfakes

According to Odaily, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills on Tuesday aimed at protecting actors and performers from unauthorized digital replicas. The legislation, AB2602 and AB1836, mandates that consent must be obtained before creating and using digital copies of performers. These measures are designed to safeguard both living and deceased performers from unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes. The new laws reflect growing concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence in creating realistic but unauthorized digital representations of individuals. By requiring consent, the legislation aims to ensure that performers have control over their digital likenesses and can prevent potential exploitation. This move is seen as a significant step in addressing the ethical and legal challenges posed by advancements in AI technology. The bills also highlight the importance of protecting the legacy and rights of deceased performers. Unauthorized deepfakes can not only harm the reputation of living individuals but also exploit the images and voices of those who have passed away. By extending protections to deceased performers, the legislation seeks to honor their contributions and prevent misuse of their digital likenesses. These measures come at a time when the entertainment industry is increasingly grappling with the implications of AI and digital technology. As AI continues to evolve, the potential for creating highly realistic digital replicas has raised concerns about privacy, consent, and the potential for misuse. The new laws in California represent a proactive approach to addressing these issues and ensuring that performers' rights are respected in the digital age.