Hollywood Creatives Sign Letter Calling Upon Government to Uphold Copyright Laws Amid Rising AI Use

Hollywood creatives, including directors, actors, and writers, are speaking out against the easing of AI-related copyright laws. More than 420 industry professionals have signed an open letter asking the government to maintain strong copyright protections for AI. Leading the effort is actress Natasha Lyonne, joined by notable names like Mark Ruffalo, Bette Midler, Paul Simon, Aubrey Plaza, and Ava DuVernay.

The letter highlights concerns over recent recommendations from Google and OpenAI which proposed that the government eliminate legal restrictions on using copyrighted material for AI training. The entertainment community argues that such a move would harm creative industries, prioritizing AI development at the expense of artists’ rights.

Both Google and OpenAI have submitted proposals to the Office of Science and Technology Policy suggesting that loosening copyright rules would benefit AI developers. Google claims that allowing AI training on publicly available copyrighted materials would not significantly affect content owners and that exceptions, such as fair use, should be expanded to accommodate AI advancements.

For years, actors have resisted AI’s growing presence in Hollywood, fearing it could replace or exploit their work. AI regulations were a major point of contention during the 2024 SAG-AFTRA negotiations with film and television studios. The union, representing approximately 160,000 performers, demanded that production companies seek actors’ consent before creating digital replicas and ensure fair compensation even if AI-generated versions were used instead of the real actors.

After a prolonged 118-day strike, SAG-AFTRA secured protections, including requirements for explicit consent and proper compensation where AI is used in TV and film.

Additionally, California Governor Gavin Newsom enacted two laws last year aimed at safeguarding actors from AI misuse. One mandates that contracts disclose any planned AI-generated replicas, while the other prohibits the commercial use of deceased actors’ digital likenesses without permission from their representatives.

The open letter also underscores the economic significance of the entertainment industry, which employs over 2.3 million people in the U.S. and generates more than $230 billion in wages every year.

Meanwhile, discussions around AI regulation have extended beyond Hollywood. Last month, Vice President JD Vance cautioned European leaders at an AI summit in Paris about the risks of excessive regulation, warning that overreach could stifle the industry’s growth.

In January, President DonaldTrump announced plans for up to $500 billion in private-sector investments to advance AI infrastructure in the U.S., aiming to stay competitive with China. Upon taking office, he also revoked a previous executive order from President Biden that sought to implement safeguards for AI development.

The president’s move was criticized by U.S. civil rights unions, arguing that the Biden administration’s measures were reasonable steps to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with civil rights laws.

Tech firms, such as D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS), will be watching how the regulatory landscape for AI will evolve over the coming months and years not just in the U.S. but around the world.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/QBTS

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