Actors Vote for AI Protections Action

In a significant move reflecting growing apprehension regarding artificial intelligence in the performing arts, actors represented by Equity, the UK’s largest acting union, voted overwhelmingly against digital scanning on set. The union announced the results of an indicative ballot on December 18, 2025, revealing that over 99% of participants were prepared to refuse scans unless adequate protections were provided.

Equity’s general secretary, Paul Fleming, announced the impressive turnout of over 75%, underscoring the seriousness of the concerns actors have toward the unauthorized use of their work, voices, and likenesses. This initiative comes amid calls for transparency in usage terms and fair remuneration, particularly as AI technologies evolve to include more sophisticated forms of content generation.

Fleming emphasized the generational challenge posed by AI, stating, “Artificial intelligence is a generation-defining challenge. And for the first time in a generation, Equity’s film and TV members have shown that they are willing to take industrial action.” This stance is particularly crucial, as a considerable portion of UK TV and film productions—over 90%—rely on agreements governed by Equity, representing the concerns of thousands of union members.

This vote draws a parallel to recent unrest in the US, where members of SAG-AFTRA went on strike for four months in 2023, largely over similar AI-related issues. While there is a significant willingness among Equity members to take industrial action, Fleming clarified that such steps are contingent on producers’ responses. The real challenge now lies in negotiations with the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (Pact), which on its part claims to be making strides in protecting performers’ rights in relation to digital replicas and synthetic performers.

Despite these advancements, the impasse remains around data usage for AI training purposes—specifically regarding consent and protections surrounding digital scans. “The ball is in Pact’s court when we return to the table in January,” warned Fleming, indicating a firm stance that satisfactory protections are non-negotiable moving forward.

Pact has countered, asserting that most productions do not engage in scanning cast members and that long-standing practices often precede the advent of current AI technologies. They also mentioned that discussions about AI terms being comparable to other countries’ regulations are ongoing. However, equity has called for forward-thinking protections that consider the evolving landscape of AI.

This indicative ballot, though not legally binding, serves as a stark warning to the industry about the level of solidarity among actors regarding the digital scanning issue. It reflects a significant moment for the UK’s film and TV industry, particularly as more than 7,000 performers participated in this unprecedented vote.

Riz Ahmed, an actor currently engaged in a modern take on Hamlet, shared his perspective on AI’s influence on the creative process, emphasizing the importance of struggle in artistic creation. He stated, “AI can make finished products, but without friction to get there, things don’t have meaning. A frictionless life is a meaningless life.” His sentiments resonate with the broader concerns of the acting community as they navigate the complexities of AI technologies in their work.