Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is the role of artificial intelligence in the film industry?
- Can you think of any examples where technology, like CGI or motion capture, has been used to create characters in movies?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- prohibit /proh-HIB-it/
- digital /DIJ-i-tl/
- critic /KRIT-ik/
- measure /MEZH-er/
- standard /STAN-derd/
[verb] – to forbid or not allow something
The school will prohibit students from using phones during class.
[adjective] – related to or involving computer technology
She uses a digital camera to take pictures.
[noun] – a person who judges or evaluates something
The critic gave the movie a good review.
[noun] – an action or a plan taken to achieve a specific result or a unit used to quantify something
The city has implemented new measures to improve air quality.
[noun] – a level of quality or requirement
The company follows strict safety standards.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
California has passed new laws to protect actors from being digitally replicated by artificial intelligence (AI). The legislation, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, allows actors to leave contracts if AI terms about using their voice or image are unclear. It also prohibits the creation of digital copies of deceased performers without permission from their families. These actions were driven by concerns that studios might replace workers with AI and by a controversial case involving the unauthorized use of comedian George Carlin’s likeness in a comedy show.
The laws received strong backing from groups like SAG-AFTRA and the California Labor Federation, highlighting the importance of defending workers’ rights as AI technology becomes more prevalent in the entertainment industry. Governor Newsom stressed the need to protect performers while encouraging growth in Hollywood. Critics, however, worry about potential legal challenges, but supporters see the legislation as a responsible move toward AI regulation. California’s measures, following earlier efforts in Tennessee, position the state as a leader in AI protections. Further AI-related regulations, such as those concerning deepfake videos and safety standards for AI models, are still under consideration.
The laws received strong backing from groups like SAG-AFTRA and the California Labor Federation, highlighting the importance of defending workers’ rights as AI technology becomes more prevalent in the entertainment industry. Governor Newsom stressed the need to protect performers while encouraging growth in Hollywood. Critics, however, worry about potential legal challenges, but supporters see the legislation as a responsible move toward AI regulation. California’s measures, following earlier efforts in Tennessee, position the state as a leader in AI protections. Further AI-related regulations, such as those concerning deepfake videos and safety standards for AI models, are still under consideration.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What new action does California’s legislation allow actors to take regarding their contracts with AI?
- Why did California introduce laws related to AI and actors?
- What does the new legislation specifically prohibit concerning deceased performers?
- Which groups supported the new AI protection laws in California?
- What is one concern that critics have about the new AI laws in California?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever encountered a situation where your personal data or image was used without your permission? If so, how did you handle it? If not, what do you think you would do if it happened?
- Have you ever had to make a decision about accepting or rejecting terms in a contract? If so, what factors influenced your decision? If not, what do you think would be the most important factors to consider?
- Do you agree that actors should have control over how their images are used by AI?
- How do you think the introduction of AI regulations might affect the future of the entertainment industry? Do you believe these changes will be mostly positive or negative?
- In your opinion, how important is it for laws to keep pace with technological advancements? Can you provide an example of another technology that might need similar regulation?