Human Consent Registry Launched in Brussels
Actress Cate Blanchett has introduced a free digital platform called the Human Consent Registry at the European Parliament, designed to safeguard people’s images, voices, appearances, and movements from unauthorized use by artificial intelligence. Developed by the nonprofit organization RSL Media—co-founded by Blanchett herself—the service was presented in Brussels at an event organized by Bulgarian MEP Eva Maydell, with filmmaker Steven Soderbergh also in attendance.
How the Human Consent Registry Works
This free tool enables users to create a unique Human Consent ID, giving them control over how their personal data is used: they can grant unrestricted permission, set specific conditions, or impose a complete ban. Importantly, the system relies on voluntary compliance, as there is no enforcement mechanism to compel adherence.
Blanchett underscored the initiative’s significance, stating: 'In the age of artificial intelligence, your identity is your intellectual property.'
Maydell added that 'the initiative makes rights transparent, strengthens trust, and keeps human creativity at the center of technological progress.'
RSL Media launched in May 2025 and has garnered support from prominent artists such as Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, and Javier Bardem. In March 2025, Blanchett signed an open letter to the White House urging that copyright protections not be weakened under pressure from OpenAI and Google. That letter was also endorsed by Paul McCartney, Ben Stiller, and hundreds of other creators. The registry emerges amid growing concerns over deepfakes, including a high-profile case earlier this year targeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Beyond safeguarding personal data, the Human Consent Registry aims to protect artworks, characters, and brands, highlighting the need to sustain creativity in a tech-driven era.
The launch of the Human Consent Registry marks a significant step in the fight to protect personal data and the rights of creative individuals as AI technology rapidly evolves. This initiative could serve as a model for future projects, addressing both individual interests and broader issues of digital copyright protection. With deepfakes and other manipulative technologies on the rise, such tools may become essential for ensuring transparency and trust in society.
As discussions around the ethical implications of artificial intelligence intensify, the need for robust protections against misuse is becoming increasingly clear. In light of this, recent calls for Meta to enhance its defenses against intimate deepfakes targeting vulnerable groups, such as Ukrainians, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures in the digital landscape. Understanding these challenges can provide valuable context for the initiatives like the Human Consent Registry introduced by Blanchett to safeguard personal identities.