In light of rising apprehensions regarding the effects of artificial intelligence on performers, actress Olivia Williams emphasized that actors should handle data obtained from body scans similarly to how they approach nude scenes.

The star of Dune: Prophecy and The Crown stated that she and fellow actors often face mandatory body scans by on-set cameras, with scant assurances on the usage and destination of that data.

“It would be reasonable to adhere to the ‘Nude Rider’ standard,” she noted. “This footage should only be used within that specific scene; it must not be repurposed elsewhere. Furthermore, any edited scenes must be removed across all formats.”

Williams drew attention to a vague provision in contracts that seems to grant studios extensive rights to use images of performers “on every platform currently existing or created in the future worldwide, indefinitely.”

A renewed conversation about AI’s impact on actors has been ignited by widespread criticism of the development of an AI performer named Tilly Norwood. Actors fear their likenesses and poses will be utilized to train AI systems, potentially threatening their employment.

Actors, stunt performers, dancers, and supporting actors relayed to the Guardian that they felt “ambushed” and compelled to participate in body scans on set. Many reported there was little time to discuss how the generated data would be handled or whether it could be used for AI training purposes.

Ms. Williams recounted her unsuccessful attempts to eliminate the ambiguous clause from her contract. She explored options for obtaining a limited license to control her body scan data, but her lawyer advised her that the legal framework was too uncertain. The costs of trying to reclaim the data were prohibitively high.

“I’m not necessarily looking for financial compensation for the use of my likeness,” she remarked. “What concerns me is being depicted in places I’ve never been, engaging in activities I’ve never done, or expressing views I haven’t shared.”

“Laws are being enacted, and no one is intervening. They’re establishing a precedent and solidifying it. I sign these contracts because not doing so could cost me my career.”

Williams expressed that she is advocating for younger actors who have scant options but to undergo scans without clear information regarding the fate of their data. “I know a 17-year-old girl who was encouraged to undergo the scan and complied, similar to the scene from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Being a minor, a chaperone was required to consent, but her chaperone was a grandmother unfamiliar with the legal implications.”

The matter is currently under discussion between Equity, the UK performing arts union, and Pact, the trade body of the UK film industry. “We are urging for AI safeguards to be integrated into major film and television contracts to prioritize consent and transparency for on-set scanning,” stated Equity Executive Director Paul W. Fleming.

“It is achievable for the industry to implement essential minimum standards that could significantly transform conditions for performers and artists in British TV and film.”

Pact issued a statement saying: “Producers are fully aware of their responsibilities under data protection legislation, and these concerns are being addressed during collective negotiations with Equity. Due to the ongoing talks, we are unable to provide further details.”