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More than 11,000 artists, including actors, directors, and writers, have publicly condemned the unlicensed use of creative works to train AI models, calling it a threat to their livelihoods.

What’s the deal: In a letter signed by over 11,000 actors, directors, writers, and other artists, they expressed concern about the unlicensed use of their creative works to train AI models, calling it an unjust threat to their livelihoods. They argue that AI technology, which replicates voices, appearances, and performances without consent, will undermine the value of their labor and strip them of control over their creations. The artists are demanding stronger regulations to protect their work from unauthorized exploitation.

Some background: Last year, the SAG-AFTRA union, representing around 160,000 media professionals, went on strike to demand stronger protections against AI replicating actors voices, likenesses, and movements without consent, as well as better compensation for streaming content. In November 2023, a tentative agreement was reached, securing key protections. Performers must now give explicit consent and be compensated if their likeness is used with AI, while AI-generated sound recordings require minimum compensation. The deal also includes higher wages, improved benefits, and a larger share of streaming revenue.  

Warnings from a notable actor: Over the weekend, Actor Nicholas Cage also echoed warnings of AI replacing actors, musicians, and others in creative spaces. Cage specifically referenced Employment-based digital replicas, or EBDR, one of two digital replicas permitted by the SAG-AFTRA deal struck with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers.

While speaking at the Newport Beach Film Festival, Cage said, “There is a new technology in town. It’s a technology that I didn’t have to contend with for 42 years until recently. But these 10 young actors, this generation, most certainly will be, and they are calling it EBDR. This technology wants to take your instrument. We are the instruments as film actors. We are not hiding behind guitars and drums.” He added, “The studios want this so that they can change your face after you’ve already shot it — they can change your face, they can change your voice, they can change your line deliveries, they can change your body language, they can change your performance.”