Hollywood Unions Challenge Disney’s Controversial New AI Agreement

Disney has formed a partnership with OpenAI, enabling a collection of over 200 characters from its diverse franchises, including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, to be integrated into the Sora platform, which utilizes AI technology. This significant step into the world of generative AI comes as Disney is embroiled in ongoing legal battles with other AI companies lacking formal agreements. The deal has sparked concern within Hollywood, prompting responses from major labor unions.

Concerns from Hollywood Unions

Both the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) expressed their apprehensions regarding the implications of Disney’s new deal with OpenAI. The unions voiced their intentions to ensure that the rights and likenesses of performers are safeguarded amid this technological evolution.

SAG-AFTRA’s Response

• SAG-AFTRA highlighted that the agreement with OpenAI does not include protections for actors’ likenesses or voice rights.
• The union stated it would vigilantly monitor the implementation of the deal to ensure compliance with existing contracts and applicable laws.
• They acknowledged ongoing discussions with OpenAI to address performers’ concerns regarding the use of AI technology.

SAG-AFTRA’s statement emphasizes the necessity for transparency and consent when utilizing the images and voices of performers. The union explicitly criticized the lax technical protections currently in place, demanding more robust measures to prevent unauthorized use of copyrighted materials.

Writers Guild of America Takes a Stand

• The WGA’s statement criticized Disney’s partnership with OpenAI, arguing that it legitimizes the perceived theft of their intellectual property.
• They asserted that AI models like those developed by OpenAI have exploited extensive libraries created by WGA members without proper compensation.
• The WGA has committed to further discussions with Disney to better understand the implications of the new agreement.

The WGA emphasizes the importance of protecting creative and economic interests within the context of rapidly developing AI technologies. The ongoing dialogue among unions and Disney reflects a significant need for addressing the intersection of entertainment and artificial intelligence.

Conclusion

As Disney embarks on this partnership with OpenAI amidst rising concerns, the commitment from industry unions remains critical. Both SAG-AFTRA and the WGA are prepared to fight for the rights of performers and writers in an increasingly AI-driven entertainment landscape. The push for ethical AI use and the protection of intellectual property rights will be central to future discussions.