Cate Blanchett has co-founded RSL Media, a non-profit company that aims to address the lack of consent in AI's use of creative work and likeness. Prominent supporters include Javier Bardem, George Clooney, Viola Davis, Tom Hanks, Dame Helen Mirren, Steven Soderbergh, Kristen Stewart, Meryl Streep, Dame Emma Thompson, Creative Artists Agency, and the Music Artists Coalition.
RSL Human Consent Standard Launch
RSL Media is set to launch the RSL Human Consent Standard in June, a free public registry that allows individuals to declare their AI permissions. Blanchett emphasizes the need for consent to be the primary consideration in AI technologies, describing RSL Media as a straightforward, free solution for asserting control over AI usage.
Co-founder and CEO Nikki Hexum highlights that AI cannot respect rights it cannot see, stressing the basic human right to decide on AI's use of one’s work or identity. Hexum states, "RSL Media was created to make those choices clear so people can set their own terms."
Industry Support and Backing
Blanchett's initiative has garnered significant support from celebrities and industry figures. Dame Emma Thompson, for example, said, "At the moment, AI is merely stealing from us all. This is an urgent and essential initiative." Director Steven Soderbergh added, "RSL Media has a solution to a very serious problem, and their solution is simple, transparent, and resistant to manipulation."
Dame Helen Mirren also spoke in favor of the initiative, emphasizing the divide between inspiration and imitation in artistic creation.
Addressing AI Exploitation
Blanchett has been vocal about AI-related issues, having joined 700 other artists earlier this year in an anti-AI campaign against the exploitation of copyrighted work without permission. The campaign included notable figures like Scarlett Johansson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
RSL Media allows individuals to determine how their identity and creative works can be used by AI systems, either allowing it with terms or prohibiting it entirely. This system simplifies the complex rights systems currently in place, making consent a clear signal for machines to read.
Moving Forward with RSL Media
As of now, registrants can reserve a consent ID to become a trusted partner. Starting June, RSL Media will offer a public registry to register, verify identity, and set permissions for identity and creative works. With the backing of industry heavyweights and a clear mission, RSL Media aims to create a practical way for AI protections to function effectively.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/cate-blanchett-rsl-media-ai-usage-1236746845/
