German voice actors have initiated a grassroots boycott against Netflix, citing a contentious contract clause that permits the streaming giant to use their recorded performances for artificial intelligence training. A spokesperson for the VDS voice actors' association confirmed the action to Reuters.
The clause, introduced at the start of the year, allows Netflix to use recordings to train AI systems without specifying whether compensation would be provided, according to the VDS, which represents around 600 members. The association said it has commissioned a law firm to examine the contract in relation to data privacy, copyright law and the EU AI Act.
Netflix has responded by sending a letter to German voice actors, stating that their concerns stem from a misunderstanding of how the US company intends to use the recordings. The company invited the VDS to an informal discussion, said the association's chairperson, Anna-Sophia Lumpe, on Tuesday. She added that the letter also warned that if the boycott continues, content will be shown with German subtitles instead of dubbing.
The contracts are based on an agreement Netflix reached with the BFFS actors' union in June, which requires explicit written consent for the use of any AI-generated digital voice replica. However, the BFFS intentionally left out rules on remuneration for AI-related uses for now, citing a lack of reference points for appropriate basic remuneration.
Lumpe did not provide exact figures on the size of the boycott but said that the efforts are generating a response. A Netflix spokesperson confirmed the existence of the letter and said the company is taking the concerns seriously.
