Media Execs, Tech Vets And Legal Experts Debate AI's Impact At CES - Deadline

AI was an omnipresent theme at CES, with panel discussions and keynotes putting a spotlight on both the promise and perils of the technology. In Hollywood, many creatives remain wary of generative AI and its potential to erode job security or diminish the value of human talent—especially after the WGA and SAG-AFTRA fought for new AI protections during their 2023 strikes. Yet key industry voices also highlighted AI’s upside. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang showcased breakthroughs like Blackwell for PC graphics and autonomous vehicles, while Delta and Sphere offered glimpses of how AI might enable more efficient planning and immersive experiences. Even so, SAG-AFTRA national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland captured a widespread sentiment, describing AI as both “a tool and also an existential threat,” reflecting the stark divide between seeing AI as creative support or a direct competitor to human artistry.

Legal experts and major tech figures likewise weighed in, underscoring the need for balanced guardrails. Lawyers cautioned that the courts may eventually have to intervene on issues like deepfakes and data ownership, while others argued for a more optimistic, measured approach, pointing out that new tech—from color film to digital video—often sparks concern before eventually creating more opportunities. Former Lucasfilm and Apple exec Richard Kerris drew parallels to past disruptions, acknowledging that AI will inevitably shift employment patterns but also open new avenues for creativity and innovation. The prevailing consensus at CES, then, was that AI’s future in entertainment will be shaped by both regulation and collaboration—one that preserves human expertise while recognizing the technology’s transformative power.