Governor Newsom signs legislation to protect digital images of artists

FROM 1836 by Rep. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) prohibits the commercial use of digital replicas of deceased artists in films, television shows, video games, audiobooks, sound recordings, and more without first obtaining consent from those artists' estates. The goal is to curb unauthorized use of digital replicas, including any audiovisual work or sound recording associated with performances by artists during their lifetime.

“I am grateful that Governor Newsom signed AB 1836. California has always had the best protections for artists to protect their work and image, but artificial intelligence (AI) requires that we continue to update the law to ensure we fully protect our great artists. It is now possible to create new performances by artists even after they die. Individuals and their estates deserve protections that extend beyond their lifetime to ensure they control and profit from their own image; that is exactly what AB 1836 does.” – Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda)