SAG-AFTRA's New Agreement Paves the Way for AI Voice Licensing
SAG-AFTRA's AI Voice Replication Agreement
SAG-AFTRA has announced a new agreement that enables actors to profit from AI replicas of their voices with their informed consent. This will primarily involve:
- Licensing digital voice replicas through the platform Narrativ for audio ads.
- Actors must receive product identification before their voice is used.
- Performers can review and accept or decline offers.
Setting Prices and Controlling Usage
Actors will have the ability to set their own prices for voice replication, with SAG-AFTRA's minimum rates applied as the baseline. Additionally, if performers choose to discontinue work with Narrativ, the platform is required to erase their digital replicas and any associated recordings.
Addressing AI Concerns
The deal comes on the heels of last year's strike, which focused on the threat posed by AI technology in representing performers without their permission or payment. The new agreement ensures:
- Explicit consent is necessary before any voice replica is created.
- Repeated consent is required for all future projects utilizing the replicas.
Previous Agreements and Future Steps
Earlier in January, SAG-AFTRA had entered an agreement with Replica Studios to allow voice licensing for game development. However, agreements with major gaming publishers fell through, leading to a strike demand aimed at securing protections for performers.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.