Unions tell CRTC not to count AI-generated content as CanCon

The CRTC asked for input on the impact and role of artificial intelligence as part of that process.

The CRTC should not classify material generated by artificial intelligence as Canadian content, unions representing actors and writers told the regulator Thursday.

The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists said that “under no circumstance” should AI-created material be considered CanCon.

“Otherwise, it is a betrayal to our performers, who have already seen their moral rights violated and job opportunities limited by AI,” national president Eleanor Noble said.

The actors’ union appeared at a two-week hearing held by the federal broadcast regulator to consider how to modernize its definition of Canadian content. The CRTC had asked for input on the impact and role of artificial intelligence as part of that process.

Noble said AI is widely used in dubbing and urged the CRTC to “protect the livelihoods of Canadian performers.”

Marie Kelly, the organization’s national executive director, said there are appropriate uses of AI, such as employing the technology to make a stunt look more dramatic while keeping the performer safe.

“But we are opposed to where the AI is generating performances,” she said.

Kelly said AI “should not take over the jobs of the creators in the ecosystem that we’re in and we should not treat AI-generated performers as if they are a Canadian actor.”