The Association of German Speakers (VDS) has published a legal opinion on the new contractual regulations of Netflix published. The focus is on a clause that allows the streaming provider to use voice recordings of dubbing actors for the training of AI systems.

According to the association, speakers are to sign an extended transfer of rights as part of current productions. Among other things, this includes the use of the recordings for AI training purposes. Separate remuneration for this use is not provided for in the relevant contractual documents.

The expert opinion commissioned by the VDS examines the agreement with regard to data protection, copyright and contract law as well as the European AI Regulation, among other things. According to the association, the legal assessment comes to the conclusion that individual provisions could be legally problematic. Details of the expert opinion were summarised in a VDS press release.

The association points out that the use of voice recordings for AI applications raises both economic and personal rights issues. At the same time, the VDS emphasises that Netflix has been an important partner of the German dubbing industry for years. The aim is to find a legally secure and amicable solution.

Netflix had previously stated that it was taking the discussions seriously. Voice actors are of central importance for localised productions. The streaming service is continuing to invest in the German dubbing industry.

According to the association, the report will serve as a basis for further discussions.