Hollywood backs Human Consent Standard to set rules for AI use

In short: A nonprofit backed by major Hollywood talent launched a new standard that lets people spell out whether AI can use their likeness or creative work, and on what terms.

What happened

RSL Media has introduced the Human Consent Standard, a new way for people to set clear rules for how AI systems can use their identity and creative work. This includes a person’s likeness (their face or voice), as well as works like characters, designs, and other creative material.

The idea is simple. People can choose to give full permission, allow use only under certain requirements, or block use completely. It is similar to putting a sign on your work that says “yes,” “yes, but only if you do X,” or “no.”

The Human Consent Standard builds on the earlier Really Simple Licensing (RSL) Standard, which focused on how websites signal rules for AI use of content at specific web addresses. According to RSL Media cofounder Eckart Walther, this new version is meant to follow the underlying work or identity wherever it appears, not just on one webpage.

AI systems can find these rules through a site’s robots.txt file, which is a simple text file that tells automated visitors what they are allowed to do (like a “do not enter” sign for web-scraping bots). The system will also check a registry that is expected to launch in June, where people can verify who they are and set their permissions.

Supporters include George Clooney, Viola Davis, Tom Hanks, Kristen Stewart, Steven Soderbergh, and Meryl Streep, plus groups like Creative Artists Agency and the Music Artists Coalition.

Why it matters

AI tools can copy voices, faces, and styles quickly, which raises questions about permission and payment. A standard like this could make it easier for creators and performers to say what is allowed, and for companies to know the rules before using someone’s work.

Source: The Verge AI