UK actors vote to refuse to be digitally scanned in pushback against AI

Thu 18 Dec 2025 09.44 ESTFirst published on Thu 18 Dec 2025 09.15 EST Actors have voted to refuse digital scanning to prevent their likeness being used by artificial intelligence in a pushback against AI in the arts. Members of the performing arts union Equity were asked if they would refuse to be scanned while on set, a common practice in which actorsâ likeness is captured for future use â with 99% voting in favour of the move. The general secretary, Paul Fleming, said: â Artificial intelligence is a generation-defining challenge. And for the first time in a generation, Equityâ s film and TV members have shown that they are willing to take industrial action. Over three-quarters of artists working on them are union members.