SAG-AFTRA

Meta withdrew its AI image generation product 'Muse Image' within three days of launch due to backlash over features allowing AI alterations of user content and unauthorized use of Instagram profiles. The product, developed by Meta's Superintelligence Labs, faced criticism from SAG-AFTRA and was removed after public concerns about privacy and abuse.

Instagram's AI image generation tool, Muse Image, was launched by Meta but removed within three days due to backlash over privacy concerns and deepfake risks. Meta cited user feedback as the reason for discontinuing the feature, which allowed AI image generation from public Instagram posts.

Meta discontinued a feature in its new AI image generator, Muse Image, that automatically used public Instagram images as references after facing criticism over privacy concerns. The company cited user feedback leading to the removal, with SAG-AFTRA applauding the decision to address nonconsensual digital replica risks.

Meta's new AI image generation tool, Muse Image, allows users to create images using the likenesses of people with public Instagram accounts, requiring opt-out rather than affirmative consent. The feature has drawn criticism from privacy advocates, talent agencies, and labor unions, who argue it violates privacy rights and calls for explicit consent and control over likeness usage.

President Donald Trump received $77,808 in 2025 from the Screen Actors Guild pension, which he became eligible for after appearing in Home Alone 2 in 1992. He also received $8,724 annually from the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, though he resigned from both unions in 2021 amid disciplinary action related to the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

The NO FAKES Act, aimed at protecting against AI-enabled replicas and deepfakes, advanced to the Senate floor after a committee vote. The bill, co-sponsored by Sens. Chris Coons and Marsha Blackburn, has support from Hollywood and tech companies but faces criticism over First Amendment concerns. Free speech groups and some senators, including Ted Cruz, argue the legislation risks limiting protected speech.

New York's law requires advertisements featuring AI-generated 'synthetic performers' to clearly label them, effective after being signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in December. The law imposes penalties for non-compliance, includes exemptions for certain media types, and faces opposition from advertising groups while receiving support from SAG-AFTRA.

New York implemented a law requiring disclosure of AI-generated performers in advertisements and is considering a bill to mandate disclaimers for AI-generated news content. The policies aim to increase transparency and address concerns about AI's impact on media and the workforce.

Higgsfield AI's sci-fi thriller 'Hell Grind,' featuring AI actors, premiered at Cannes' Marché du Film and cost $500,000 to produce. The film elicited brief genuine emotional reactions but later triggered discomfort due to uncanny valley effects. It is the highest-profile film entirely generated with AI visuals.

Television and movie actors' union SAG-AFTRA ratified a four-year contract with studios and streamers, securing protections against AI-generated actors and ensuring labor stability. Over 90% of members approved the deal, which includes compensation gains and reinforced benefit plans.

SAG-AFTRA members ratified a four-year contract with studios and streamers, including protections against AI-generated performers. The deal, approved by over 90% of voters, aims to prevent the widespread use of synthetic actors and reinforces compensation and benefit security.

Television and movie actors ratified a four-year contract with studios and streamers, including protections against AI-generated synthetic actors. The deal, approved by over 90% of participating members, aims to prevent future strikes and aligns with a similar four-year agreement by the Writers Guild of America.