Meta Platforms Inc. is currently engaging in discussions with prominent Hollywood stars, such as Judi Dench, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key, to secure the rights to their voices for use in artificial intelligence (AI) projects. While the specific details of the project remain undisclosed, Meta is reportedly racing against the clock to finalize these deals before its upcoming Connect 2024 event scheduled for September. The company, known for owning social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, aims to develop a range of AI tools, potentially featuring a chatbot that could serve as a digital assistant or companion, as reported by Bloomberg.
Negotiations between Meta and the celebrities' representatives have been characterized as tumultuous, with disagreements arising over the terms of voice usage. Meta is purportedly advocating for rights to the actors' voices for various applications over a fixed term on a single project, whereas the actors' representatives are pushing for more stringent restrictions. Despite these challenges, SAG-AFTRA, the primary union for actors, seems to have come to an agreement with Meta regarding the terms of the deals. This move by Meta reflects a broader trend of tech companies leveraging the influence of celebrities to enhance their AI offerings, as familiar voices could potentially boost user engagement and growth for the company.
Furthermore, the integration of AI into the entertainment industry has raised concerns among Hollywood professionals about potential job displacement resulting from technological advancements. The ongoing discussions between Meta and the celebrities' representatives underscore the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI and the rights of individuals to their own voices. The outcome of these negotiations could serve as a precedent for future collaborations between technology firms and celebrities, shaping ethical standards in this evolving landscape.