April 12 (Reuters) - Hollywood performers and media

professionals have reached a tentative deal with major record

labels such as Warner Music Group ( WMG ) and Sony Music

Entertainment that includes increases in minimum

salaries and protections against the use of AI.

The deal covers the five-year period from 2021 to 2026 and

has been unanimously approved by the executive committee of

SAG-AFTRA, which represents roughly 160,000 actors and other

media professionals, the union said in a statement on its

website.

AI has emerged as a big concern in the entertainment

industry and the issue was at the center of talks between

SAG-AFTRA and major studios last year, which finally culminated

in a contract in November after a months-long strike.

The music industry is especially grappling with songs

created by generative AI - a technology that makes it easy for

internet users to mimic artists' voices, often without their

consent.

The SAG-AFTRA union said the tentative deal with the record

labels requires both consent and compensation before a song is

released that uses a digital replica of an artist's voice.

It added the terms "artist", "singer" and "royalty artist"

could only refer to humans under the agreement.

"This agreement ensures that our members are protected.

While technology can enhance the creative process, the essence

of music must always be rooted in genuine human expression and

experience," said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National

Executive Director and Chief Negotiator.

Other highlights of the agreement include improvements in

health and retirement options and an increase in the percentage

of streaming revenue to be covered by contributions.

A final ratification vote by members is expected to take

place in the next few weeks.