Hollywood Elite Urge Trump to Uphold AI Copyright Protections
Over 400 Hollywood stars and industry workers, including Ben Stiller and Paul McCartney, have signed an open letter urging President Donald Trump to maintain strong copyright protections against the encroachment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
In a significant move to safeguard the creative industries, prominent figures from Hollywood have rallied together to address the Trump administration’s U.S. AI Action Plan. The open letter, signed by luminaries such as Ben Stiller, Paul McCartney, and Ron Howard, emphasizes the importance of not weakening copyright laws that protect films, television series, artworks, writing, music, and voices used in training AI models.
The letter articulates a strong stance against AI companies that seek to undermine America’s cultural and economic strength by exploiting copyrighted materials. It highlights the vital role of the arts and entertainment industry, which supports over 2.3 million American jobs and contributes more than $229 billion in wages annually. The signatories argue that these industries are foundational to America’s democratic influence and soft power internationally.
Contrasting views have been presented by tech giants like OpenAI and Google, who have advocated for the relaxation of copyright rules to facilitate AI training on copyrighted materials. OpenAI’s submission suggests that such measures are necessary to secure America’s AI leadership without compromising national security, while Google emphasizes the importance of balanced copyright rules that enable AI systems to learn from prior knowledge.
However, the Hollywood coalition firmly opposes these views, asserting that there is no justification for weakening copyright protections. They propose that AI companies should negotiate appropriate licenses with copyright holders, as is standard practice across other industries.
The debate over AI and copyright laws comes at a time when the use of AI in Hollywood is becoming more prevalent, albeit controversial. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, known for their work on Marvel’s blockbuster films, have embraced AI in their latest Netflix project, ‘The Electric State.’ Joe Russo noted that AI is increasingly used in Hollywood, particularly in its generative state, which he believes is best suited for creative applications.
The tension between technological advancement and the protection of creative rights continues to be a hot topic in Hollywood, especially following the 2023 strikes by writers and actors, which were partly driven by concerns over AI’s impact on the industry. SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, emphasized the necessity of the strikes to address AI implementation proactively.
As discussions around AI and copyright continue, the Hollywood community remains vigilant, advocating for federal legislation that protects their interests. The open letter to President Trump underscores a unified front among Hollywood’s elite in their call to maintain robust copyright protections in the face of advancing AI technologies.