Letter Opposing Legislation That Would Protect Artist from AI and Other Technologies

Dear Senator:

On behalf of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), representing 60 affiliate unions and 12.5 million working people across our economy, I write urging you to cosponsor the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act (S. 4875).

The NO FAKES Act, introduced by Senators Chris Coons, Marsha Blackburn, Amy Klobuchar and Thom Tillis, is critical to ensuring that the voice and visual likeness of all individuals are protected from unauthorized recreations made by AI and other technologies. AFL-CIO-affiliated unions represent artists across different media whose voice and likeness are their livelihood. The NO FAKES Act would provide these workers with recourse against the digital misappropriation of their labor and ultimately deter this damaging practice, holding liable those who produce unauthorized digital likenesses, as well as platforms that knowingly host such digital replicas. The bill's protections are not limited to those who make their living in the arts but extend to everyone. It also includes common-sense exclusions to ensure First Amendment rights will not be infringed.

As AI-generated fakes proliferate, we need urgent action to address the threats these replicas pose to workers' livelihoods, reputations and well-being. The NO FAKES Act is a balanced, thoughtful approach to address this problem. I urge you to cosponsor this vital legislation.

To cosponsor please contact James Barton in Senator Coons' office at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Jody Calemine
Director, Government Affairs