Bryan Cranston has expressed gratitude to OpenAI for addressing the unauthorised use of his likeness on the company's generative AI video platform Sora 2. The Breaking Bad star raised concerns with the actors' union Sag-Aftra after users were able to generate his voice and image without his consent during the app's launch phase.
OpenAI stated that it had always intended to require opt-in for the use of voice and likeness, and described the incidents as 'unintentional'. The company has since strengthened its guardrails to prevent such occurrences. Cranston issued a statement through Sag-Aftra on Monday, thanking OpenAI for improving its safeguards.
'I was deeply concerned not just for myself, but for all performers whose work and identity can be misused in this way,' Cranston said. 'I am grateful to OpenAI for its policy and for improving its guardrails, and hope that they and all of the companies involved in this work, respect our personal and professional right to manage replication of our voice and likeness.'
The controversy arose after reports that OpenAI had allegedly told talent agencies and studios they would need to opt out of having their clients' likenesses used on Sora 2, rather than opting in. OpenAI disputed this, saying its intention was always to give public figures control. Major agencies CAA and UTA, which represents Cranston, co-signed a statement with OpenAI, Sag-Aftra and the Association of Talent Agents, affirming a commitment to protect actors' rights.
Sean Astin, president of Sag-Aftra, warned that Cranston is 'one of countless performers whose voice and likeness are in danger of massive misappropriation by replication technology'. He praised the positive resolution and stressed that 'opt-in protocols are the only way to do business', referencing the NO FAKES Act currently before Congress.
Sora 2 allows generation of 'historical figures', defined as famous deceased individuals, but OpenAI has agreed to block recently deceased public figures at their representatives' request. The company recently paused the ability to depict Martin Luther King Jr on the platform at his estate's request.
