German dubbing actors have refused to work with Netflix since January 2026. The reason: a contractual clause regarding artificial intelligence.
01/28/2026, 07:2001/28/2026, 07:21
Due to a controversial contractual clause, German dubbing actors are currently boycotting collaboration with Netflix. This clause would allow the streaming service to use the voice recordings for AI training without additional compensation.
Netflix wants to use the voices of German dubbing actors for AI training.Image: keystone
The voice actress Vivien Faber, known from the video game “Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores,” made the conflict public. Faber wrote on her BlueSky profile: “As a result, series and films will soon appear on Netflix without German dubbing.” This will probably only affect content that Netflix produces itself. Purchased films and series are usually synchronized before they are purchased.
Netflix requires consent from voice actors
According to the Association of German Speakers (VDS), Netflix requires its speakers to agree to use their voices as training material for artificial intelligence.
With this technology, it would be possible to artificially recreate the speakers’ voices and create so-called deepfakes. Development has now progressed to such an extent that authentic-sounding voice recordings can be generated without the original speaker.
New negotiations later this week
The VDS firmly rejects the clause. The association demands that voice actors be able to reject these without negative consequences for their employment. “The provision of personal data as training material for AI systems must not become an industry standard,” explained the VDS. “There are many versions of the future and we have the right to help shape them.”
Negotiations between the voice actors and Netflix are expected to continue this week.
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