German voice actors are refusing to work with Netflix due to a contract term they fear will let the company use their voices to train artificial intelligence.
Netflix offers foreign-language shows and movies in two main ways: with subtitles, or with voices dubbed over in the local language.
This often results in voiceover work being done by local talent in each region. However, there’s growing worry that advancements in artificial intelligence could lead to job losses for these voice actors.
Actors in Germany are protesting, leading to a public dispute between their union and the streaming service.
Why German voice actors are boycotting Netflix
The Association of German Speakers, known as Verband Deutscher Spreche, noticed a new clause in their contracts earlier this year. This clause seems to give Netflix the right to use their voices to train artificial intelligence without paying them for it.
Reuters reports that on February 3, 2026, VDS organized a boycott. Netflix responded with a letter stating the concerns arose from a misunderstanding of how the company plans to utilize their recordings.
According to VDS chair Anna-Sophia Lumpe, Netflix reached out for a casual conversation and also indicated that if the current work boycott continues, they will add German subtitles to content shown in Germany.
The association hired a law firm to review the contract, focusing on data privacy, copyright, and compliance with the European Union’s AI Act.
On February 9th, the VDS released a legal opinion from Spirit Legal stating that performers shouldn’t sign the contract. Anime Corner reports the reason is because of concerns about how AI training data is used (potentially violating copyright), difficulties with opting out of data usage (which could break GDPR rules), and unusual business practices that might be illegal.
We will continue to update you on this story as new information becomes available. You can find more of our coverage on the debate around AI, including articles about Megalopolis, Late Night With the Devil, Thunderbolts, True Detective, One Piece, Darren Aronofsky, and the AI creation Tilly Norwood.
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2026-02-10 15:48