SAG-AFTRA, the union representing workers in numerous fields including acting and media, has recently faced criticism for utilizing an artificial intelligence-generated image to promote its upcoming Labor Innovation & Technology Summit. The image, depicting a woman interacting with an AI robot, has sparked controversy and garnered disapproval from prominent artists such as Karla Ortiz. Notably recognized for her work on Black Panther, Avengers: Endgame, and Avengers: Infinity War, Ortiz conveyed her concerns on Twitter, highlighting the potential impact of AI-generated images on the livelihood of fellow visual artists and union models.
The backlash against SAG-AFTRA revolves around the ongoing debate on the effects of AI on employment in the creative industry. An anonymous source revealed that the Adobe stock image featuring the AI robot was, in fact, created by human artists utilizing AI tools, dispelling the assumption that the image was entirely AI-generated. Despite this revelation, the image continues to be prominently featured on the union’s official website, attracting continued criticism from detractors.
Furthermore, the controversy surrounding the use of AI imagery is exacerbated by recent negotiations pertaining to the incorporation of AI within labor unions within the entertainment industry. Both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA have taken measures to regulate the use of AI in their most recent contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Notably, Justine Bateman, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, has publicly expressed disapproval of generative AI, citing its potential societal impact.
The contentious image is being utilized to promote the upcoming two-day Technology Summit, scheduled for the 9th and 10th of January in Las Vegas. This event aims to gather leaders from the labor, entertainment, and technology sectors to examine the influence of innovation on the future of the workforce. It is poised to focus on worker advocacy, policy formulation, and training programs that bolster the support of working individuals and embrace the evolving landscape of technology and innovation. The series of presentations will highlight influential figures spearheading change and progression within the industry.
Ultimately, the debate surrounding the use of AI-generated imagery to promote the summit has raised broader concerns about the future of artificial intelligence within creative industries. As various stakeholders within the industry express diverging viewpoints, the way forward remains uncertain. However, the emergence of AI in labor negotiations underscores the increasingly pervasive influence of technology in contemporary working environments.
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