Disney, New York Times, and Adobe Launch AI Responsibility Coalition

On June 15, 2026, Disney, the New York Times Company, and Adobe unveiled the Alliance for Responsible Innovation in the Arts & Media (ARIAM). Headquartered in Los Angeles, the coalition aims to forge responsibility‑by‑design legal and policy frameworks for artificial intelligence in the content and technology sectors.

The founding trio—Disney, the New York Times, and Adobe—has already attracted a roster of early participants. The ARIAM website lists the BBC, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Condé Nast, and Wiley among its initial members. The group’s mission is to bridge content and tech, championing robust liability regimes that protect consumers—especially children—while sustaining creators, culture, and democratic values.

Victoria Furniss, former Netflix executive and CEO of The Birdella Group, will head ARIAM. In a statement released via Deadline, Furniss explained that the coalition’s goal is “not to slow AI down but to ensure it is able to sustain the broader ecosystems long term.” She added that ARIAM is a “first‑of‑its‑kind cross‑content sector coalition seeking to ensure that AI supports human creativity, respects the rule of law, and safeguards consumers.” Furniss’s background in AI, intellectual property, and public policy positions her to steer the organization’s policy agenda.

John Carr, OBE, executive board member of the UK Council on Child Internet Safety, underscored the coalition’s focus on child protection. He noted that “for years, parents, teachers and children have relied on well‑known characters, media, and educational materials as safe, dependable guides or sources of entertainment.” Carr warned that irresponsible AI development can distort these assets, turning them into agents of harm, and called for responsible‑by‑design AI tools.

ARIAM’s website outlines three foundational pillars. First, it asserts that AI tools offer creative opportunities, adding value for creators, publishers, and media companies. Second, the coalition believes in AI’s promise when it is implemented thoughtfully, arguing that proper integration can strengthen copyright, reward talent, entertain and educate consumers, and empower content companies worldwide. Third, ARIAM stresses the need for alignment between innovation and protection, noting that current frameworks are fragmented and reactive, forcing companies to choose between innovation and safety.

The coalition’s formation follows a broader industry trend toward formalizing AI governance. Disney’s recent disputes over the use of its characters by generative‑AI platforms and Adobe’s history of developing creative software underscore the relevance of a unified approach. By bringing together media giants, publishing houses, and technology firms, ARIAM seeks to influence policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

ARIAM has not yet released a detailed policy proposal, but its website invites stakeholders to learn more about its work and to engage with its initiatives. The launch was covered by Deadline, which also reported on the statements from Furniss and Carr. No official press release from any of the founding companies has been issued beyond the Deadline coverage.

At present, ARIAM is in its early stages, with a leadership team and a set of member organizations. The coalition’s next steps are expected to include the development of policy recommendations, outreach to regulators, and collaboration with industry partners to embed responsible AI practices in content creation and distribution. The announcement signals a growing recognition that AI’s rapid expansion in entertainment and media requires coordinated governance to protect consumers, creators, and cultural assets.

In summary, Disney, the New York Times, and Adobe have established ARIAM to promote responsible AI use in the arts and media. The coalition brings together major media and technology players, led by Victoria Furniss, and emphasizes child protection, creative opportunity, and policy alignment. While specific policy outputs are pending, ARIAM’s formation marks a significant step toward structured AI governance in the entertainment industry.