Hira Tareen Warns Actors About AI Contracts That Could Transfer Digital Likeness Rights Permanently
Hira Tareen raises concerns about AI-related clauses in actors’ contracts.
AI Contracts are becoming a growing concern in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Actor Hira Tareen has warned fellow performers to carefully review agreements after she reportedly discovered a clause that could have transferred ownership of her digital likeness.
The issue has sparked discussion among actors because it highlights how artificial intelligence may affect creative professions. Moreover, Tareen believes such clauses could have long-term implications for performers who sign contracts without fully understanding the terms.
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Hira Tareen Highlights AI Contracts Risks
Tareen shared her concerns through Instagram on Tuesday. According to her statement, she noticed a clause while reviewing a drama contract in March.
She explained that the clause would have granted a production company and television channel ownership of her digital likeness. According to her explanation, this could include her voice, facial expressions, gestures, and other personal attributes for future use.
Furthermore, she stated that the rights were not limited to a single project. Instead, the language reportedly allowed usage across multiple projects indefinitely.
AI Contracts Raise Industry Questions
After identifying the clause, Tareen said she contacted the Actors’ Collective of Pakistan (ACT). She noted that even industry representatives initially found the issue unusual because similar concerns had not previously gained attention in Pakistan.
However, the situation reportedly changed quickly. Tareen said other actors began receiving contracts containing similar provisions only weeks later.
As a result, she believes the issue may represent a wider industry trend rather than an isolated case. Therefore, performers are being encouraged to examine contractual language more carefully.
Digital Likeness Rights And AI Contracts
Tareen described how artificial intelligence could gradually expand its role in production workflows. She suggested that studios might initially use AI for promotional materials before adopting more advanced applications.
For example, AI could assist with dubbing or generating digital performances. Over time, she argued, extensive use of existing footage and recordings could reduce the need for actors to appear in person.
Consequently, performers may face concerns about maintaining control over their professional identity and future work opportunities.
Hollywood Strikes Show AI Contracts Impact
Tareen pointed to events in Hollywood during 2023, when industry professionals sought contractual protections related to artificial intelligence.
She noted that entertainment workers there pushed for safeguards regarding digital replicas and AI-generated performances. According to her statement, those efforts resulted in greater attention to performer rights within contracts.
Meanwhile, she acknowledged that Pakistan’s entertainment sector faces several existing challenges, including payment schedules, working conditions, and royalty-related concerns.
ACT Pakistan Urges Attention To AI Contracts
Tareen advised actors to carefully review contracts and pay attention to specific terminology. She recommended checking for terms such as:
- Likeness
- Perpetuity
- AI training model
- Digital replica
- Intellectual property (IP)
- Synthetic performance
- Broad IP assignment
- AI-related clauses
Additionally, she encouraged performers to seek clarification whenever they encounter unfamiliar legal language.
According to her statement, actors should contact ACT Pakistan or consult legal professionals if they have concerns about contractual provisions.
Hira Tareen Calls For Collective Action
Tareen emphasized that individual action may not be enough to address emerging challenges linked to artificial intelligence.
Instead, she suggested that broader industry awareness and collective responses could play a significant role in shaping future standards. Therefore, actors are being encouraged to read agreements carefully before signing.
As discussions around AI continue to evolve, the debate over digital likeness rights and performer protections is likely to remain an important topic within Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
