The SAG-AFTRA union firmly opposes the use of actors’ likenesses and voices by major studios to train generative AI, arguing that individuals deserve legal protection for their intellectual property similar to that afforded to entities. This stance was highlighted during testimony before the Federal Trade Commission, emphasizing that AI-generated content reflects real labor that requires robust safeguards. The union asserts that while copyright laws do not currently cover faces or voices, existing state laws protect against unauthorized commercial use of identity. This legal gap is central to the ongoing strike against the AMPTP. Negotiations remain stalled, with residuals and AI regulation identified as the primary obstacles, causing significant delays in high-profile film productions and award ceremonies. This conflict is highly relevant to open data because it directly challenges the transparency and consent principles essential for ethical data usage. The dispute highlights the urgent need for clear data governance frameworks when training AI on personal biometric data. It serves as a critical case study in balancing technological innovation with individual rights, illustrating how opaque training data practices can lead to substantial legal and ethical backlash.

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Published on 2023-10-06