British acting union Equity has spoken out against the new AI created actress called Tilly Norwood. The union says the tool is not a real performer. It is built from the work of real actors. Equity leaders worry about how that work was collected and whether the actors gave permission.
Union Leaders Speak Out
Shannon Sailing, Equity’s audio and new media organizer, told BBC Radio that Tilly is not an actress. She called the creation an AI tool. She added that the tool is made up of performers’ work. She said the union is concerned about where that work came from and if consent was given.
General secretary Paul Fleming said Equity is looking at ways to trace the data that builds AI characters. He told Sky News that the AI field uses so much data that the original source becomes unclear. He warned that viewers and workers should worry about how data is used. He said the union may use GDPR data protection rules to demand that companies reveal the source of the data that goes into AI creations.
The Debate Over Data Consent
The controversy began when Eline Van der Velden, head of the AI studio Particle6, said the AI character had attracted talent agents. Van der Velden said agents were knocking on the AI’s virtual door. Sailing called that irresponsible. She said agents should focus on protecting performers as AI enters the industry.
Industry Reactions
Van der Velden later defended her work. She said the AI character is not a replacement for a human being. She described it as a creative work and a piece of art. She compared AI to a new paintbrush for storytellers. She noted that animation, puppetry, and CGI opened fresh possibilities without taking away live acting. She said she is an actor herself and believes nothing can replace the craft and joy of human performance.
The AI actress controversy has sparked a larger conversation about AI ethics in entertainment. Actors worry that their performances are being harvested without permission. They fear that AI could dilute the value of human talent. Unions like Equity want stronger rules to protect performer data consent. They hope that future AI tools will be built with clear agreements and transparent sourcing.
As the debate continues, the industry watches how regulators will respond. The outcome could shape how AI tools are used in film, television, and advertising. For now, Equity remains vigilant. It urges creators to respect the work of real performers and to seek consent before using their data in AI projects.
Source: Variety
