AI Trace
Creative GenerationVerified

Reviewed and published by trentmaziarz, May 11, 2026. Discovered and drafted by our automated research pipeline.

SAG-AFTRA deployed AI guardrails in its Sound Recording Code, ratified in April 2024, requiring that record companies obtain clear and conspicuous consent from artists — with minimum compensation and specific disclosed details of use — before releasing any sound recording that uses a digital replication of an artist's voice. The terms also limit the definition of 'artist' to humans only.

Details

The Sound Recordings Code AI Appendix, ratified in April 2024, defines a 'Digital Voice Replica' as an AI-generated copy of a specific artist's voice that can recreate and feature that voice in lieu of the artist actually performing. Before any such recording can be released, the record company must obtain clear and conspicuous consent from the artist, provide minimum compensation, and disclose specific details of the intended use. The agreement also explicitly limits the contractual definitions of 'artist,' 'singer,' and 'royalty artist' to humans, meaning AI-only performers do not qualify for these protections or credits. The appendix additionally governs 'Purely Synthetic Voice Tracks' — AI-generated voices not based on any identifiable individual — and requires companies to report and bargain over their use.

Products affected

SAG-AFTRA Sound Recordings CodeSound Recordings Code AI Appendix

Sources & Evidence

Cite this record

Trace Foundation. (2026). SAG-AFTRA: SAG-AFTRA deployed AI guardrails in its Sound Recording Code, ratified in April 2024, requiring that record companies obtain clear and conspicuous consent from artists — with minimum compensation and specific disclosed details of use — before releasing any sound recording that uses a digital replication of an artist's voice. The terms also limit the definition of 'artist' to humans only (data as of 2026-05-11) [Data set record]. AI Trace. https://www.aitrace.org/r/practice/c3d40e9e-fb14-4c5b-9bcf-4e026fc437cb. Accessed October 5, 2026.

Stable link
https://www.aitrace.org/r/practice/c3d40e9e-fb14-4c5b-9bcf-4e026fc437cb
Data as of
May 11, 2026
Last verified
Not recorded

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