By Samuel A. Lopez, USA Herald
[HOLLYWOOD, CA] – Hollywood’s biggest stars have united once again, this time warning the world about the so-called “threat” posed by generative AI. Kevin Bacon, Rosario Dawson, and Julianne Moore are just a few of the 11,500 celebrities who signed an open letter urging protections against AI systems training on their work without consent. They argue that the unlicensed use of creative material, including their likenesses and performances, could destroy livelihoods.
As someone who covers the legal sector, I can’t help but see this situation from a broader perspective. Sure, these celebrities want protection from AI abuse, but is this really just about their livelihoods—or does it go deeper, affecting people like you and me?
What’s Really at Stake?
Let’s start by acknowledging the truth: Hollywood has always had a complicated relationship with technological change. Remember when the advent of cable threatened VHS rentals? Or how Redbox fought tooth and nail against online streaming? The result? Redbox movie rentals filed for bankruptcy, and streaming services like Netflix became household names. Similarly, artists panicked when Napster offered free music, yet today, we stream songs freely on YouTube and Spotify. These technologies ultimately made our lives easier, despite the initial resistance from industries.
