(DailyEmailNews.com) – California’s liberal Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new bills into law that will further restrict the freedom of businesses to innovate using AI technology. These regulations, disguised as protections for actors, are yet another example of government overreach that could stifle economic growth and technological advancement in the entertainment industry.
Newsom, known for his left-leaning policies, signed two bills aimed at protecting actors from unauthorized use of their digital likenesses. While this may sound reasonable on the surface, it’s important to consider the potential consequences for businesses and the broader economy.
The legislation provides legal protections for digital replication of performers’ images or voices during their lifetimes and posthumously. This means that companies developing AI technologies may face significant legal hurdles and potential lawsuits, potentially discouraging innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
One of the bills, AB 2602, prevents contracts from binding artists to the use of their digital voices or images and requires notification of invalid clauses by February 1. This could create a bureaucratic nightmare for businesses, forcing them to review and potentially renegotiate countless contracts.
“We talk about California being a state of dreamers and doers. A lot of dreamers come to California, but sometimes they’re not well-represented,” Newsom said in a video shared on social media Tuesday. “And with SAG and this bill I just signed, we’re making sure that no one turns over their name, image and likeness to unscrupulous people without representation or union advocacy.”
Newsom’s statement reveals his true agenda – empowering unions and limiting the free market. By framing businesses as “unscrupulous people,” he’s demonizing job creators and innovators who are driving California’s economy forward.
NEW: @CAGovernor Newsom signed 2 bills to help actors & performers protect their digital likenesses in audio & visual productions–including those who are deceased–helping ensure responsible use of AI & other digital tech in entertainment by giving workers more protections. https://t.co/J8tMTLL3HK
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 17, 2024
The other bill, AB 1836, protects digital likenesses as part of performers’ posthumous right of publicity, allowing rights holders to sue for unauthorized use. This could open the floodgates for frivolous lawsuits, tying up courts and costing businesses millions in legal fees.
While Newsom claims these laws will protect workers, they may actually harm the very people they’re meant to help. By making it more difficult and expensive for companies to use AI in entertainment, these regulations could lead to fewer job opportunities for actors and other industry professionals.
“WE CONTINUE TO WADE THROUGH UNCHARTED TERRITORY WHEN IT COMES TO HOW AI AND DIGITAL MEDIA IS TRANSFORMING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, BUT OUR NORTH STAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO PROTECT WORKERS. THIS LEGISLATION ENSURES THE INDUSTRY CAN CONTINUE THRIVING WHILE STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS FOR WORKERS AND HOW THEIR LIKENESS CAN OR CANNOT BE USED.” – Governor Gavin Newsom
Newsom’s claim that this legislation will ensure the industry can “continue thriving” is laughable. By imposing more regulations and restrictions, he’s actually hampering growth and innovation in one of California’s most important industries.
These new laws are just the latest example of California’s hostile business environment. As the state continues to pile on regulations and empower unions, it’s no wonder that businesses and residents are fleeing to more freedom-friendly states like Texas and Florida.
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