Hollywood Icons Demand AI Respect Copyright in Open Letter to Trump Administration
March 18, 2025
This appeal comes amid growing concerns about the implications of AI in creative fields, particularly in music, film, and literature.
The Trump administration has been pushing for AI advancements without stringent oversight, prioritizing American technological dominance and rolling back previous regulations.
Over 400 leaders from Hollywood's creative community have signed an open letter urging the Trump administration to protect copyright laws from being weakened due to pressures from AI companies.
The arts and entertainment sector plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy, supporting over 2.3 million jobs and generating more than $229 billion in wages annually.
The U.S. Copyright Office is currently working on guidelines for AI-related copyright claims, which could significantly influence the legal landscape surrounding AI.
SAG-AFTRA representatives have emphasized the importance of addressing AI's impact on the industry, with ongoing discussions among unions about potential federal legislation.
The proposals from tech companies to the AI Action Plan include sections on copyright that could allow them to leverage copyrighted works without proper agreements.
Hollywood advocates for innovation that respects intellectual property rights, arguing that ethical considerations must not be sacrificed for technological advancement.
The signatories of the letter have condemned requests to weaken copyright protections, insisting that existing laws are essential for the creative industry's future.
Concerns regarding AI's impact on jobs and content quality have resurfaced following the 2023 strikes that halted the U.S. entertainment industry and led to new agreements for AI protections.
The letter was submitted ahead of a midnight deadline and continues to gather support from industry figures, highlighting the creative community's commitment to safeguarding artistic integrity.
In January 2023, President Trump revoked previous AI policies and issued an executive order aimed at positioning the U.S. as a global leader in artificial intelligence.
Summary based on 34 sources
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Sources

The Verge • Mar 18, 2025
Hundreds of celebrities warn against letting OpenAI and Google ‘freely exploit’ Hollywood
Los Angeles Times • Mar 18, 2025
Hollywood creatives urge government to defend copyright laws against AI - Los Angeles Times
