Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1498689
the tens of thousands of hardworking creative minds that have dedicated their lives, and their careers, to their crafts," said SAG-AFTRA NED Duncan Crabtree- Ireland. "In my time as SAG-AFTRA national executive director, I've seen new technologies contribute to, rather than disrupt, the work that our members do for the public. With the right approach to regulation, we can ensure that new advancements in generative AI do the same." To that end, the union has staked out a firm position on the use of AI and is taking concrete steps to ensure the technology is used for good. Without the power of collective action, performers would be on their own in navigating this new threat, and would have to rely solely on the benevolence of those who hire them. "The main thing for members to know is that using this technology to digitally Speakers at the Influencers and Actors in the Metaverse panel at CES, from left, Unity Technologies Director, Live Entertainment Boo Wong; SAG-AFTRA Manager, Contract Strategic Initiatives Shaine Griffin; Amazon Web Services Senior Business Development Manager, Amazon Managed Blockchain Charles Okochu; Calaxy Chief Executive Officer & co-founder Solo Ceesay; and SAG-AFTRA NED & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. From left, Billboard Deputy Editorial Director Robert Levine, singer-songwriter Jessy Wilson, SAG-AFTRA National Board member Dan Navarro, and Professor and Founding Director of the Texas Immersive Institute at the University of Texas Erin Reilly at the Welcome to the Machine: Art in the Age of AI panel on March 16 at the SXSW festival in Austin. SAG-AFTRA's participation in the Human Artistry Campaign was announced at the event (see sidebar). create new performances is a mandatory subject of bargaining, meaning employers must bargain with the union and obtain consent," said actor, director and advocate Sarah Elmaleh. "Mandatory subjects of bargaining pertain to wages and working conditions, and the union's right to insist that such things be bargained — rather than unilaterally determined by employers — is enshrined in federal law. I've seen human ar tistry campaign 1 Technology has long empowered human expression, and AI will be no different. 2 Human-created works will continue to play an essential role in our lives. 3 Use of copyrighted works, and the use of voices and likenesses of professional performers, requires authorization, licensing and compliance with all relevant laws. 4 Governments should not create new copyright or other IP exemptions that allow AI developers to exploit creators without permission or compensation. 5 Copyright should only protect the unique value of human intellectual creativity. 6 Trustworthiness and transparency are essential to the success of AI and protection of creators. 7 Creators' interests must be represented in policymaking. To take action, visit humanartistrycampaign.com. SAG-AFTRA has joined with other unions and industry organizations to ensure AI is used responsibly. These are the campaign's fundamental principles. SHANE O'NEAL 58 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2023 | sagaftra.org Sign the Petition!