Governor Newsom Signs Bills to Protect Artists’ Digital Likenesses

from 1836 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) prohibits commercial use of digital replicas of deceased artists in films, TV shows, video games, audiobooks, sound recordings and more without first obtaining permission from the artists’ estates. It is intended to curb unauthorized uses of digital replicas, including any audiovisual works or sound recordings related to performances delivered by artists while they were alive

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