Equity Launches Campaign Against AI

Equity has launched a new campaign against the use of AI, which puts the livelihoods of actors at risk.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has grown rapidly across the audio and entertainment industry in recent years, from automated audiobooks and voice assistants to deep fake videos and text to speech tools.

"But UK Intellectual Property law has failed to keep pace. And this is leading to performers being exploited," Equity insists.

We know that:

• Performers are having their image, voice or likeness reproduced by others, using AI technology, without their consent.
• Because of loopholes in the law, performers are not being fairly paid for the reproduction of their work. And sometimes not paid at all.
• Performers are kept in the dark about their rights and contracts:
  • 79% of performers who have undertaken AI work felt they did not have a full understanding of their performers' rights (as set out in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988) before signing the contract.
  • Performers are being asked to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements without any knowledge of what the job entails.
• 65% of performers think the development of AI technology poses a threat to employment opportunities in the performing arts sector. This figure rose to 93% for audio artists.
• 93% of Equity members think the Government should introduce new legal protections for performers, so that a performance cannot be reproduced by AI technology without their consent.

"Artificial Intelligence could have a hugely positive impact on the entertainment industry. But we need to make sure it works for performers and not just their bosses."

Learn more about the campaign and how to help at https://www.equity.org.uk/getting-involved/campaigns/stop-ai-stealing-the-show/.

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