Source: Deadline

Deadline details the enactment of pioneering legislation in Albany, New York, on December 11, 2025, aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the entertainment and advertising sectors. Governor Kathy Hochul signed two key bills into law designed to protect both consumers and creative professionals from the deceptive capabilities of AI. The first measure requires clear and conspicuous disclosure in advertisements that utilize "synthetic performers"—AI-generated figures that appear human—ensuring that audiences can distinguish between real and computer-generated content.

The second piece of legislation focuses on the rights of deceased individuals, amending civil rights laws to prohibit the unauthorized commercial use of digital replicas of a person's voice or likeness after their death. This "right of publicity" protection mandates that companies obtain consent from the heirs or executors of a deceased personality before creating AI avatars or voice clones for trade purposes. These laws represent a direct response to growing concerns within the film industry and among the public regarding the potential for AI to displace human labor and mislead consumers, positioning New York as a leader in establishing legal guardrails for generative media.