CAA Hollywood Agency Aims to Assist Celebrities in Managing Their AI Doppelgangers

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is revolutionizing the way celebrities protect their digital likeness in Hollywood with the launch of their new AI protection services. The company has introduced “theCAAvault,” a virtual media storage system where A-list talent can securely store their digital assets, including names, images, voice recordings, and more.

Partnering with AI tech company Veritone, CAA aims to combat the rising issue of AI deepfakes that have been plaguing celebrities. The need for such protection was highlighted when Tom Hanks, a CAA client, fell victim to an AI scam where his likeness was used without permission to promote a dental plan.

The vault not only safeguards the digital assets of celebrities but also ensures they are rightfully compensated when their digital likenesses are used by companies. This move by CAA is seen as a proactive step to address the misuse of celebrities’ names, images, and voices without consent.

However, the use of AI cloning has sparked debates in Hollywood, with concerns about job opportunities for real actors and the ethical implications of using AI clones of deceased celebrities. CAA’s head of strategic development, Alexandra Shannon, emphasized the importance of consent and permission-based approach to AI applications, ensuring that artists have control over their digital likeness even after their passing.

While the service is currently limited to a select few clients and comes with a fee, CAA plans to make it available to all their clients and industry professionals in the future. The company believes that over time, the costs of utilizing the vault will decrease, making it a valuable resource for protecting and monetizing celebrities’ digital assets.