While SAG-AFTRA pushed for protections against AI, the studios have been reluctant to support legislation that might overly broadly address its use. But now it appears the parties may be on the same page, as they have both thrown their support behind a recently introduced bipartisan Senate bill.
New Senate Bill to Protect Artists and Journalists from AI Abuse
The NO FAKES Act (read it here) finally got support from the studios on Wednesday via the Motion Picture Association, after the group warned earlier this year about potential First Amendment violations.
The bill is being introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).
“We support protecting artists from the abuses of generative AI — and this bill thoughtfully establishes federal protections against harmful uses of digital replicas while respecting First Amendment rights and creative freedoms,” said a statement from MPA CEO Charles Rivkin. “We particularly appreciate the sponsors’ inclusion of safeguards intended to prevent the stymieing of constitutionally protected expression like biopics, docudramas, parodies, and satire — which will be necessary to make any new law sustainable. The MPA looks forward to working closely with the bill’s sponsors as the NO FAKES Act makes its way into law.”
