Actors have voted to refuse digital scanning to prevent their likeness being used by artificial intelligence in a pushback against AI in the arts.<\/p>\n
Members of the performing arts union Equity were asked if they would refuse to be scanned while on set, a common practice in which actors\u2019 likeness is captured for future use \u2013 with 99% voting in favour of the move.<\/p>\n
The general secretary, Paul Fleming, said: \u201cArtificial intelligence is a generation-defining challenge. And for the first time in a generation, Equity\u2019s film and TV members have shown that they are willing to take industrial action.<\/p>\n
\u201cNinety per cent 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The vote was an indicative ballot designed to demonstrate 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Equity said it may hold a formal ballot depending on the outcome of the negotiations, which, if backed, would give actors legal protection if they were being pressed to accept digital scanning on set.<\/p>\n
The decision comes after months of debate and growing concern about performers\u2019 rights as AI becomes embedded in the creative industries, with high-profile actors urging Equity members to support the push to stop digital scanning.<\/p>\n