The New York Times reports that negotiations are still ongoing and involve all major Hollywood talent agencies. The terms of the agreements are not yet finalized, and it is uncertain which celebrities will participate. If successful, Meta could pay millions of dollars for the rights to use these voices. A Meta spokesperson has declined to comment on the discussions. Bloomberg reports that Meta is working to complete these deals before its Connect 2024 event in September. While the specific applications of the voices are not confirmed, Meta is considering using them for a chatbot similar to Apple’s Siri, allowing users to interact with a digital assistant featuring voices like Awkwafina’s. The rapid advancement of AI technology has ignited concerns within the entertainment industry, with many fearing job displacement. The recent strikes by SAG-AFTRA highlight the growing anxiety among actors and other creatives about the potential impact of AI. As Meta and other tech companies race to integrate AI into their products, the delicate balance between innovation and protecting creative rights is becoming increasingly complex.
