BBC & ITV Fail To Negotiate AI Safeguards In New Contracts With Actors Union Equity But Broadcasters Say Provisions “Remain Firmly On The Table”

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: The BBC and ITV‘s new contracts with actors union Equity will not include artificial intelligence safeguards but the broadcasters have vowed that the “discussion around AI provisions remains firmly on the table.” At a time when future AI and its uses are a major industry talking point, Deadline is told that Equity’s initial intention was to include safeguards against the invasive tech in these new agreements.

But we understand the BBC and ITV will only agree AI provisions once Equity has completed its long-gestating deal with producer trade body Pact, as the broadcasters view artificial intelligence as an industry-wide issue.

Those conversations with Pact are ongoing and AI remains a cornerstone of them, we are told. Equity declined comment. Equity and the BBC’s new deal for actors on in-house BBC productions such as EastEnders was unveiled last week and includes higher pay, new provisions on bullying and harassment and best practices regarding audition self-tapes – but nothing on AI.

Equity and ITV’s similar deal for in-house ITV Studios shows is yet to conclude but we are told this one will also no longer include AI.