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Equity Opens Ballot on Refusing On-Set Scans to Press for AI Safeguards

The non-binding vote gauges leverage after two years of stalled talks over protections for performers’ data.

Overview

  • About 7,000 film and TV members are being polled from December 4 to 18 on whether they are prepared to refuse digital scanning on set to secure stronger AI protections.
  • The ballot is indicative rather than binding, measuring support for action short of a strike and potentially paving the way for a statutory ballot.
  • Equity says current proposals from producers are inadequate on consent and data use, and it is recommending members back industrial action if required.
  • The union argues scans and recorded performance data could be used to train AI without consent, while noting there is no evidence this is happening at present.
  • Pact says members comply with data-protection laws, have long used scanning in production, and are not selling or monetising scans for AI content.