Screenwriters' strike in the US ended with the introduction of defences against the use of AI

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has voted to call off a strike that lasted more than six months. The reason was to demand a more favourable contract with producers that would, among other things, protect writers from artificial intelligence.

Here's What We Know

The writers may return to work after 27 September. The WGA will still take a final ratification vote on the agreement with producers.

A key clause in the new contract was protection from generative artificial intelligence for screenwriting. Under the new contract, the technology cannot be used to create or rewrite literary works. Anything the AI generates cannot be considered source material.

Screenwriters can use AI if the studio agrees to it. However, producers cannot force writers to use programmes like ChatGPT. Also, studios must warn about the presence of AI in the material they submit.

In addition, the agreement prohibits the use of writers' work to train artificial intelligence.

In addition to the AI protections, the WGA has reached an agreement to increase salaries, pensions, health insurance and payments for streaming projects.

The new contract will run for three years until 1 May 2026.

Go Deeper:

• Hollywood studios have agreed to protect screenwriters from artificial intelligence and raise their salaries
• Triumph of the Pen: The screenwriters' strike ended in victory - how the guild reached a historic agreement after 146 days of fighting and what it means for Hollywood and audiences
• Hollywood actors go on strike, including over AI

Source : Variety