AI Raises Labor Rights Fears in Animation

Published on 6.12.25

  The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the global animation industry has sparked concerns over labor rights, with unions and industry professionals pushing for regulations to protect workers' interests. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has reached a tentative contract with major video game companies after a nearly year-long strike over AI protections. Industry executives view AI as a tool to improve efficiency and foster innovation, but it has already been incorporated into post-production editing and behind-the-scenes work. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and SAG-AFTRA are meeting with major studios to establish provisions around the use of AI in film production. A coalition of unions, federations, and international organizations is planning an open-air meeting near Annecy's Bonlieu hub to raise awareness about the destructive impact of generative artificial intelligence on the global animation industry. The use of AI in the animation industry raises questions about job displacement and the need for regulations to protect workers' rights. The union's National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland hailed a recent deal as a victory, stating that it includes "necessary AI guardrails" to defend performers' rights. This agreement is seen as a significant step towards securing better working conditions and protections for performers in the video game industry.

References

Related Posts


AI Replaces Human Voices in Entertainment Industry
5.21.25
The use of AI-generated voices to replace human performers is a growing trend in the entertainment industry, with companies like Llama Productions and Epic Games at the forefront of this...
See Full Post
Epic Games Faces Labor Dispute Over AI Voices
5.23.25
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Llama Productions, a company affiliated with Fortnite, alleging that they replaced...
See Full Post

Back

See Newsfeed: Artificial Intelligence