Governor Kathy Hochul just signed a landmark set of bills that make New York the first state to directly address the rise of AI-generated performers in film and advertising. What does that mean in plain English? It means synthetic media—like digital humans, AI actors, or even likenesses of people who’ve passed away—is no longer a legal gray area. At least not in New York.
This is a first-of-its-kind move, and frankly, it was overdue.
A Turning Point for AI in Entertainment
Two big changes are now law:
1. Any ad using an AI-generated synthetic performer must disclose it.No more passing off synthetic actors as real people without saying so. If a brand is using AI talent in place of a human, they need to be upfront about it.
2. The use of a deceased person’s likeness now requires consent from their estate.You can’t resurrect someone’s face, voice, or digital presence for commercial use without permission from their heirs or representatives. It’s about respect, dignity, and protecting legacies in a world where technology can outlive us.
Together, these laws send a powerful message: synthetic media needs real-world accountability.
Why This Matters to All of Us
At Official AI, we’ve always believed that AI-powered content shouldn’t come at the cost of transparency, consent, or identity. That’s why we’ve built tools that put human agency first—tools that ensure every AI-powered persona is opt-in, not opt-out. And it’s why we’re excited to see legislation finally catching up to the ethics we’ve been designing for since day one.
Because here’s the thing: AI isn’t inherently bad or good. It’s a mirror. It reflects the intentions of the people using it. And if we’re not thoughtful about how we use it—especially in media, where perception is everything—we risk creating a world where no one knows what’s real, what’s fake, or who actually gave permission for what.
A Win for Creators, Not Just Lawyers
What New York just did isn’t just a win for lawyers or lawmakers—it’s a win for creators, actors, and audiences. It’s a step toward building trust in a space that’s rapidly evolving. And it opens the door for more ethical innovation in AI.
We’re hopeful that other states—and countries—will follow. Not because we want more rules for the sake of rules, but because clarity gives creators confidence. When the boundaries are clear, the creative possibilities get even bigger.
What’s Next?
At Official AI, we’re continuing to work on the frontier of ethical synthetic content. That means:
• Giving creators full control over their AI twin.
• Helping brands be transparent about AI-powered content.
• And constantly asking: Just because we can do something with AI… should we?
New York just gave us a framework. Now it’s up to all of us—technologists, artists, and brands—to build responsibly within it.
Let’s raise the bar together.
Curious how ethical AI content could work for you? Book a demo with the Official AI team—we’ll walk you through how we keep things real, responsible, and results-driven.
