George Clooney, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep Against AI Without Consent: Introducing the Human Consent Standard

Numerous prominent figures in international cinema have decided to support Human Consent Standard, a new initiative designed to allow anyone to establish clear rules regarding the use of their images and creations by artificial intelligence systems. The goal is to introduce a practical tool for managing consent in the era of generative AI.

Among the supporters are George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, Kristen Stewart, and director Steven Soderbergh. The project is also supported by organizations such as the Creative Artists Agency and the Music Artists Coalition.

The new standard emerges as an evolution of the Really Simple Licensing Standard, introduced in 2025 to allow websites to communicate to crawlers and AI systems the conditions for using online content. The project is overseen by RSL Media, an entity co-founded by Cate Blanchett.

Many actors are approaching the "Human Consent Standard". Unlike the previous standard, which applied to specific web pages, the Human Consent Standard directly pertains to works, identities, characters, brands, and voices, regardless of where they appear. Each individual will be able to decide whether to grant full authorization, impose certain conditions, or completely prohibit the use by artificial intelligence.

To make the system operational, a dedicated registry will be launched in June. Through this platform, users and rights holders will be able to verify their identity and publish preferences regarding the use of their content. RSL Media will convert these indications into signals that can be automatically read by AI models.

In recent months, several celebrities have already taken measures to protect their image. Matthew McConaughey has trademarked footage depicting him, while Taylor Swift has filed for protection of a personal photograph and some distinctive vocal phrases. According to Cate Blanchett, the new standard represents a simple, free, and concrete solution to allow not only public figures but anyone to clearly decide if and how their work and identity can be used by artificial intelligence systems.