In an effort to make the entertainment industry more inclusive and avoid discrimination in front and behind the camera, IMDb in an agreement worked out with SAG- AFTRA and GLAAD has announced a new policy that will allow entertainment industry professionals to remove their dates of birth, birth names and other demographic information from its IMDb and IMDbPro sites and apps.
In 2017, SAG-AFTRA sponsored a bill in the California legislature requesting sites like IMDb to remove actor´s ages or birthdays without their permission. The bill was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown but was later struck down by a federal judge.
GLAAD has stated that publishing transgender people’s birth names and age without permission is an invasion of privacy and could lead to discrimination.
For more than a decade, IMDbPro members have been able to decide whether or not their age/birth year is displayed on IMDbPro, and the policy announced this week mark the first time they can choose whether their age/birth year is displayed on the IMDb website apps for entertainment fans and general consumers.
IMDb said in a statement: “The significant updates we are announcing today reflect our continuing commitment to being the most accurate and comprehensive source of information about movies, TV shows, talent, and entertainment industry professionals.”
“I’m so pleased that IMDb worked closely with us to understand and support the needs of SAG-AFTRA members and all entertainment industry professionals,” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said. “It is the dawn of a new, more collaborative relationship with IMDb and SAG-AFTRA members. Now, a performer can claim their page and manage their demographic data on their IMDbPro and IMDb pages for free. This means professionals can choose how they want to represent themselves to fans and industry decision-makers. And it will make it easier for casting directors, producers, and others to discover and hire talent from all backgrounds for their project. Bravo IMDb, for your inclusive and honorable approach. May every company follow your lead.