SAG-AFTRA backs Trump AI policy, advocates for 'individual control'

Following the release of the Trump administration's national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) last week, SAG-AFTRA has shown its backing.

The union has recently voiced its endorsement of the legislative plan, emphasising that SAG members “require protection” from unauthorised AI duplications while upholding First Amendment rights.

“SAG-AFTRA supports the administration’s National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence and acknowledges that America’s leadership in AI should be coupled with robust safeguards for human creativity,” a SAG-AFTRA representative stated in a statement.

“Our members’ performances, voices, and likenesses are not resources to be used without permission; they are created through human talent and work, deserving of protection.”

They further mentioned, “We concur that conflicts concerning the unapproved training of AI models on copyrighted content should be settled in court without requiring new legislation.”

SAG leaders believe that the framework will aid the creative sector and encourage responsible AI usage.

The union agreed that “employees must benefit from AI advancements,” adding that “free-market licensing should continue to flourish, paired with SAG-AFTRA’s ability to collectively negotiate for suitable licensing terms and equitable revenue sharing.”

They continued, “Ultimately, we fully back the framework’s request for Congress to pass national laws against the misuse of digital replicas while safeguarding strong First Amendment rights.

People need to have control in a digital world filled with clones, but that control shouldn't restrict the expression freedom our industry thrives on to captivate and educate the audience. Congress should quickly advance the bipartisan NO FAKES Act.”

After Trump signed an executive order in December halting states from creating their own AI protections, his administration unveiled the AI policy framework last Friday.

The strategy urges Congress to pass laws that encompass parental controls, protection of intellectual property rights, First Amendment support, enhancing AI workforce training, enabling data centers to self-generate power, and removing legal roadblocks to AI progress.