UK actors vote to refuse to be digitally scanned in pushback against AI

"Equity's general secretary, Paul Fleming, said: Artificial intelligence is a generation-defining challenge. And for the first time in a generation, Equity's film and TV members have shown that they are willing to take industrial action. Ninety percent of TV and film is made on these agreements. Over three-quarters of artists working on them are union members. This shows that the workforce is willing to significantly disrupt production unless they are respected, and [if] decades of erosion in terms and conditions begins to be reversed."

"The vote is an indicative ballot used by the union to show the strength of feeling on the issue, with more than 7,000 members polled on a 75% turnout. However, actors would not be legally protected if they refused to be scanned. The union said it would write to Pact the trade body representing the majority of producers and production companies in the UK to negotiate new minimum standards for pay, as well as terms and conditions for actors working in film and TV."

Members of performing arts union Equity voted in an indicative ballot with 99% in favour of refusing on-set digital scans to prevent their likenesses being used by artificial intelligence. More than 7,000 members were polled with a 75% turnout. Actors would not be legally protected from repercussions if they currently refused scanning. Equity plans to write to Pact to negotiate minimum pay standards and terms and conditions for actors working in film and television, and may hold a formal ballot to secure legal protections if negotiations fail. High-profile performers urged support for AI protections.

Read at www.theguardian.com