California Senate Passes AB 2602 Bill to Protect Performers from Digital Replicas

California state Senate passes AB 2602 bill requiring permission for creation of digital replicas of performers, strongly supported by SAG-AFTRA. The bill aims to protect performers' voice and likeness rights in the age of digital replication.

Video game performers on strike over AI in game development

Video game performers, including actor Andi Norris and stunt performer Jasiri Booker, are on strike against major gaming companies over AI usage in game development. The companies want to use AI for generating performances without consent, leading to the work stoppage by the union members.

Struggles of Songwriters in the Streaming Era

The article discusses how songwriters are struggling financially in the streaming era due to low royalty rates, with only a small percentage earning a decent income. The disparity between what songwriters and performers earn per stream is highlighted, showcasing the challenges faced by non-performing songwriters in monetizing their work.

68th Eurovision Song Contest overshadowed by war in Gaza

Competition in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest is overshadowed by the war in Gaza. Performers from various countries are set to compete while facing political pressure and protests. Security is tight in Sweden due to the influx of Eurovision fans and pro-Palestinian protesters.

Disneyland Performers Form Labor Union

Performers at Disneyland in California filed a petition to form a labor union called 'Magic United' due to concerns about working conditions and pay. Disney officials expressed support for the workers' right to unionize. The workers aim for fair pay, better scheduling, safety at work, and clear communication from management.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Porn Industry

The rise of artificial intelligence in the porn industry is creating challenges for performers like Blake Blossom who are concerned about deepfake technology and the use of their likeness without consent. Some major porn studios have clauses in contracts allowing them to create AI-generated content using performers' images. Performers face financial insecurity and lack of protection against AI threats.