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Equity and PACT Continue Talks Over AI Protections for Performers

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Equity held a ballot of over 7,000 performers in December 2025
  • Over 99% of voting members supported refusing digital scanning
  • PACT presented Equity with an improved offer on AI protections

Ongoing negotiations between Equity and the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) have focused on protections for performers related to artificial intelligence and digital scanning on set.

In December 2025, Equity conducted an indicative ballot involving more than 7,000 performers to assess support for industrial action concerning digital scanning practices. The ballot was designed to determine members’ willingness to refuse digital scanning as a workplace measure.

Results from the ballot showed that over 99% of those who participated indicated readiness to decline digital scanning on set. This outcome provided Equity with a clear indication of its members’ stance on the issue.

Following the ballot, Equity received an updated proposal from PACT, which included revised language addressing AI-related protections for performers. The new offer was presented as part of the ongoing dialogue between the two organizations.

What the numbers show

  • More than 7,000 performers were included in Equity’s December 2025 ballot
  • Over 99% of voting members supported refusing digital scanning on set
  • The improved offer from PACT was received after the ballot results

Both Equity and PACT agreed to continue their discussions through a further period of negotiations. This step was taken to address outstanding issues and work towards a mutually acceptable agreement regarding AI protections.

Equity general secretary Paul W Fleming stated that the union’s members demonstrated determination to secure protections related to artificial intelligence. According to Fleming, this determination contributed to the presentation of the improved offer from PACT.

The negotiations remain ongoing, with both parties participating in good faith discussions. The focus of these talks continues to be the development of clear safeguards for performers in relation to digital scanning and the use of AI technologies on set.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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