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Netflix AI Clause Sparks Voice Actor Boycott
3 Feb
Summary
- German voice actors are boycotting Netflix over AI training clauses.
- Netflix claims concerns stem from a misunderstanding of AI use.
- Contracts lack clarity on compensation for AI-generated voice replicas.
German voice actors are leading a grassroots boycott against Netflix, protesting a new contract clause allowing the streaming giant to utilize voice recordings for artificial intelligence training. The voice actors' association, VDS, which represents approximately 600 members, raised concerns that the contracts, implemented in early 2026, permit AI training without clear stipulations on compensation for such uses. This has led a significant majority of voice actors to refuse the new terms.
Netflix has acknowledged the concerns, stating they stem from a misunderstanding and invited the VDS for informal discussions. A Netflix spokesperson confirmed the existence of a letter addressing these issues and affirmed the company is taking them seriously. The VDS has engaged a law firm to scrutinize the contract concerning data privacy, copyright law, and the EU AI Act.
These contracts were reportedly based on an earlier agreement between Netflix and the BFFS actors' union in June. While that agreement mandates explicit written consent for AI-generated voice replicas, it intentionally omitted remuneration rules for AI uses, citing a lack of established benchmarks to avoid unfavorable outcomes.
