Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546062
20 SAG-AFTR A | Summer 2026 | sagaftra.org For Members V idCon 2026, the largest event dedicated to uplifting online creators and celebrating the ever-growing creator economy, took place June 24–27 in Anaheim, California. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland took part in several events at the conference, including the AI, Authenticity and the Slop Problem: What Can We Actually Do Now? panel on June 25. The panel speakers, which included marketing professionals and content creators — Slow Ventures Partner Megan Lightcap, SuperBam's Alex Heflin, content creators Legendary Jay and Adam Aleksic, and Publicis Media Executive Vice President & Head of Innovation Keith Soljacich — focused on AI's influence on the quality of content itself and the proliferation of low-quality content, or "AI slop," and how creators and consumers can navigate the rapid changes they're experiencing. Also discussed were protections available to content creators, including the TAKE IT DOWN Act and developments with the NO FAKES Act (see page 50). As part of SAG-AFTRA's presence, the union also had a dedicated space within VidCon's VIP Village, providing member leaders and staff a home base to connect directly with creators, industry executives and prospective members throughout the event. Championing Creators at VidCon From left, content creator Adam Aleksic; partner, Slow Ventures, Megan Lightcap; SuperBam Vice President Alex Heflin; content creator creators Legendary Jay; Publicis Media Executive Vice President & Head of Innovation Keith Soljacich; and SAG-AFTRA NED & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland at the AI, Authenticity and the Slop Problem: What Can We Actually Do Now? panel at VidCon 2026 on June 25. SAG-AFTRA Joins Call for Labeling AI Music A s part of SAG-AFTRA's efforts to ensure transparency surrounding the use of generative artificial intelligence, the union has joined industry partners in backing an initiative to label AI music. The coalition, which also includes the Recording Industry Association of America, the Grammys and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, is proposing that songs bear "AI-Generated" or "AI-Assisted" labels, depending on how artificial intelligence was used to create the track. The "AI-Assisted" label would apply only when AI was used in the track itself, not if it was used behind the scenes, for instance to generate lyrics or art. "Fans deserve to know when the music they hear is AI-generated or AI-assisted, and performers deserve a marketplace that recognizes, values and protects human creativity," SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said. "This framework is an important step toward giving listeners clear information. SAG-AFTRA continues to reinforce the principle that AI should not be used to replace, imitate, or exploit artists without consent and fair compensation."