New York has become the first state to give fashion models explicit legal protections against the unauthorized use of their digital likenesses under a law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Saturday.
The Fashion Workers Act (S.B. 9832) also increases models’ leverage in negotiations with management companies while restricting the fees and expenses they can collect. Models have to give affirmative consent to renew contracts under the measure.
Lawmakers will pass legislation early next year in exchange for Hochul’s approval “to clarify the duties of model management companies, and brands to ensure they engage in contract transparency” ...