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Runway to train AI video production model on all Lionsgate content
(2024-09-22)
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The past 2 years has turned Hollywood against itself over the topic of AI in video production. Some people think that AI can help speed up production, from voiceovers to video and script creation. Others fear that their jobs will be in jeopardy due to the technology. While still others worry that taking the humanity out of the art form will remove the art aspect and turn the film industry into a factory. Lionsgate has made its position known with a new relationship with AI company Runway.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">What is RunwayML?[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
RunwayML is an innovative company headquartered in New York City that specializes in generative artificial intelligence research and technologies. The company is dedicated to advancing creativity through AI by developing tools and models that enable the generation of videos, images, and various multimedia content. RunwayML's mission is to shape the next era of art, entertainment, and human creativity by providing cutting-edge AI systems that empower creators to bring their ideas to life.
One of the key aspects of Runway's approach is its focus on building general-purpose multimodal simulators of the world. These simulators are designed to enhance the creative process by offering a wide range of capabilities, from ideation to content generation and editing. Runway's tools are used by top creatives across various industries, including music videos, film production, and event visuals. The company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI has made it a leader in the field of applied AI research.
Runway also places a strong emphasis on community and collaboration. Through initiatives like the AI Film Festival and Creative Dialogues, the company fosters a vibrant ecosystem where artists, technologists, and researchers can come together to explore the relationship between creativity and AI. By partnering with organizations and hosting events, Runway aims to inspire and support the next generation of storytellers and innovators. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of Runway's vision for a future where AI and human creativity coexist harmoniously.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">Lionsgate going all-in with Runway[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
Runway and Lionsgate have embarked on a groundbreaking partnership that leverages Runway's advanced AI capabilities to revolutionize film production. This collaboration involves the creation and training of a custom AI model tailored to Lionsgate's extensive catalog of films and television content. The AI model is designed to assist Lionsgate's filmmakers, directors, and creative teams in generating cinematic video content, which can be further refined using Runway's suite of controllable tools. This partnership marks the first collaboration between Runway and a Hollywood studio, highlighting the potential of AI to enhance and streamline the creative process in the entertainment industry.
The partnership aims to provide Lionsgate with cutting-edge, capital-efficient content creation opportunities. Several filmmakers at Lionsgate are already exploring the potential applications of this AI technology in their pre-production and post-production processes. By integrating Runway's AI tools, Lionsgate hopes to augment and enhance its current operations, enabling new ways of bringing stories to life. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both companies to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the film industry.
Runway will create these tools by ingesting all of Lionsgate's more than 20,000 pieces of content. This content includes The Hunger Games films, the STARZ network, and more.
The company's Co-Founder and CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela, said of the relationship,
We're committed to giving artists, creators and studios the best and most powerful tools to augment their workflows and enable new ways of bringing their stories to life. The history of art is the history of technology and these new models are part of our continuous efforts to build transformative mediums for artistic and creative expression; the best stories are yet to be told, Lionsgate has an incredible creative team and a clear vision for how AI can help their work - we're excited to help bring their ideas to life.
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SocialAI looks to remove the social and network from social networking
(2024-09-22)
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If you have spent any time on social media in recent months, you might have noticed that a lot of the interaction appears to be nonsense. That's because the use of AI-powered bots has increased, both in positive and negative ways. This behavior has led to a theory, "Dead Internet Theory," that suggests that the internet is increasingly becoming sterile and lifeless because of the bots. Seemingly attempting to prove this theory correct is new solo social networking platform SocialAI, in which you are the only human.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">What is the dead internet theory?[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
The Dead Internet Theory is an online conspiracy theory that suggests the majority of the internet is now dominated by bot activity and algorithmically generated content, rather than organic human interactions. Proponents of this theory believe that a coordinated effort has been made to replace genuine human activity with automated bots and AI-generated content to manipulate public perception and control information flow. They argue that this shift began around 2016 or 2017, and that government agencies and large corporations are behind this manipulation to influence consumer behavior and public opinion.
Critics of the Dead Internet Theory point out that while there is an observable increase in bot traffic and AI-generated content, the idea that the internet is mostly "dead" is an exaggeration. They acknowledge that bots and algorithms do play a significant role in shaping online experiences, but they argue that human activity still constitutes a substantial portion of internet interactions. Despite its controversial nature, the theory has gained traction in online communities and has sparked discussions about the authenticity and integrity of online content.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">SocialAI is here to make the theory real[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
SocialAI is a new take on social networking. Under normal circumstances, many users post to their friends, families, and followers in the hopes of getting comments and likes. These users are looking for the dopamine hit when someone interacts with their posts. However, with SocialAI, that's not the case.
On this dystopian nightmare of a social experiment, all of the interactions that you receive are from bots. The likes, comments, and potentially shares, all come from an algorithm designed specifically to bump your dopamine levels. The system also creates a feed of perfectly curated nonsense also created by the AI system.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">The response has been mixed[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
There are some people who have found the platform interesting. Reviews on the App Store currently sit above 4 out of 5. Many users seem to be using the platform less for the virtual cache and more for self reflection. One user said,
I've been using SocialAI for a while now, and it's been an incredible tool for both reflection and connection. The AI-powered conversations feel tailored to my thoughts and moods, making it a great space for journaling or just venting. It's refreshing to have a social app that focuses on *you* and doesn't rely on real users, which creates a unique, private experience. I also love the therapeutic aspect, as it feels like you're always heard and supported by a community of AI followers. Overall, it's a fantastic tool for personal growth and mental wellness, especially if you're looking for a safe space to express yourself. Highly recommend!
Others have found the platform to be creepy. It has been compared to the AI girlfriend platforms that are designed for lonely people to pretend that they have friends. For many, it literally exacerbates problems with human interaction and intimacy. This platform seemingly has similar potential side effects. Like many of the public critics, I feel like if someone wanted to create a personal torture environment for me, this concept would be it.
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Nintendo sues Palworld devs for patent infringement, not copyright
(2024-09-22)
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Ever since its introduction, Palworld has been destined for a showdown with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. Out of the box, the game was described as "Pokémon with guns," essentially guaranteeing that they would be targeted eventually. This week, The Pokémon Company and Nintendo finally filed the inevitable lawsuit, however making a surprising claim. While everyone expected a copyright or IP infringement violation, the lawsuit alleges a violation of a patent.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">What is Palworld?[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
Palworld is an action-adventure, survival, and monster-taming game developed by the Japanese indie game company Pocketpair. Set in the open-world environment of the Palpagos Islands, players control a customizable avatar from a third-person perspective. The game features a unique blend of survival mechanics and creature collection, where players must manage their hunger, craft tools, gather materials, and build bases that serve as fast travel points.
In Palworld, players encounter and interact with various animal-like creatures known as "Pals". These Pals can be captured, trained, and utilized for various tasks such as base building, combat, and traversal. The game has drawn comparisons to Pokémon due to its creature-collecting aspect, but it distinguishes itself with its survival-craft approach, making it more akin to a life simulator. The open-world design allows for extensive exploration and interaction with the environment and its inhabitants.
The game has gained significant attention and traction, especially after its launch into Steam Early Access. Players have been captivated by its unique gameplay mechanics and the freedom it offers in terms of exploration and interaction with Pals. Palworld's combination of survival elements, creature collection, and open-world exploration has made it a highly anticipated title in the gaming community.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">A potential patent violation[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developers of Palworld. The lawsuit, filed in the Tokyo District Court, alleges that Palworld infringes on multiple patents related to the Pokémon franchise. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are seeking an injunction to stop the alleged infringement and are also demanding compensation for damages.
The lawsuit has garnered significant attention due to the similarities between Palworld and the Pokémon games. Palworld, often described by players as "Pokémon with guns," features mechanics such as capturing creatures with a device similar to a Pokéball and using these creatures for various tasks. Some players have noted that certain characters in Palworld bear a resemblance to Pokémon, further fueling the controversy.
Pocketpair has responded to the lawsuit by stating that they are unaware of the specific patents they are accused of infringing upon. The company has expressed its intention to investigate the claims and continue improving Palworld for its fans. Despite the legal challenges, Pocketpair remains committed to its goal of creating enjoyable games and has apologized to its supporters for any concerns the lawsuit may have caused.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">The lead up to the lawsuit[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
In January, The Pokémon Company released its first response to the game, saying,
We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game. We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon.
This statement certainly opened the door for this lawsuit. However, a patent infringement suit was not the direction anyone expected the lawsuit to take.
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Three Mile Island no longer just a pejorative, now an AI power plant
(2024-09-22)
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For decades, the name Three Mile Island has been a pejorative slur for disaster. The expression "going Three Mile Island" has meant either something that has gone so far off the rails that it's unsalvageable or someone who has gotten so mad they need to be abandoned. No one has wanted to be associated with the name for any reason. That all changed this week with Microsoft's announcement that they are going to brave the waters and reopen the nuclear power plant to keep its AI operations more energy independent.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">What is Three Mile Island?[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
Three Mile Island is a nuclear power plant located in south-central Pennsylvania, on a small island in the Susquehanna River. Construction of the plant began in 1968, and it became operational in 1974. The facility consisted of two reactors, Unit 1 and Unit 2, with Unit 2 coming online in 1978. The plant was designed to provide electricity to the surrounding region and was part of the broader expansion of nuclear power in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
The meltdown at Three Mile Island occurred on March 28, 1979, in the Unit 2 reactor. The incident began with a failure in the secondary cooling system, which led to the reactor overheating. A stuck-open relief valve allowed large amounts of reactor coolant to escape, causing the reactor core to overheat and partially melt down. The situation was exacerbated by operator errors and inadequate training, which led to a delay in recognizing the severity of the problem. The partial meltdown resulted in the release of small amounts of radioactive gases into the environment, but fortunately, there were no immediate health effects on the plant workers or the public.
The Three Mile Island accident had a profound impact on the nuclear power industry and public perception of nuclear energy. It led to widespread fear and skepticism about the safety of nuclear power plants, resulting in a significant decline in the construction of new nuclear facilities in the United States. The incident also prompted the implementation of stricter safety regulations and improved training for plant operators to prevent similar accidents in the future. Despite the severity of the accident, the cleanup of the Unit 2 reactor was completed in 1993, and the Unit 1 reactor continued to operate until it was retired in 2019.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">Restarting Unit 1 for Microsoft[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
Recently, there have been plans to restart the remaining functional reactor as part of a deal to provide power to Microsoft data centers. Constellation Energy has now announced plans to restart the Three Mile Island Unit 1 nuclear reactor as part of a 20-year deal with Microsoft. The reactor, which was shut down in 2019, will be reactivated to provide electricity to power Microsoft's data centers. This agreement aligns with Microsoft's goal to match the power consumption of its data centers with carbon-free energy. The restart of the 835-MW reactor is scheduled for 2028, and it is expected to play a significant role in supporting Microsoft's sustainability initiatives.
The decision to restart Unit 1 is a significant development for both Constellation Energy and the nuclear power industry. It highlights the potential for nuclear energy to contribute to the growing demand for clean and reliable power sources. The partnership with Microsoft underscores the importance of corporate commitments to sustainability and the role of innovative energy solutions in achieving these goals. As the project progresses, it will be closely watched by industry experts and stakeholders interested in the future of nuclear energy and its role in addressing climate change.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">Expect mixed reactions to the plan[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
The announcement of restarting Unit 1 at Three Mile Island has garnered mixed reactions from various stakeholders. On one hand, proponents of nuclear energy and clean power are optimistic about the move. They see it as a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and meeting the growing energy demands of data centers, especially those used for artificial intelligence. Constellation Energy, the owner of the plant, has emphasized the safety and reliability of Unit 1, noting that it was one of the safest and most reliable nuclear plants before its shutdown. Microsoft has also highlighted the importance of this deal in achieving its sustainability goals and decarbonizing the grid.
On the other hand, there are concerns and criticisms from various groups. Some environmentalists and local residents remain wary of nuclear power due to the historical accident at Three Mile Island in 1979. They worry about the potential risks and the long-term safety of restarting an old reactor. Additionally, there are questions about the economic viability of the project, even with federal subsidies and tax breaks. Critics argue that the financial incentives might be better spent on other renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The project will likely face rigorous scrutiny from regulators and the public as it moves forward.
In the past few decades, every new planned nuclear project has been held up in courts with lawsuits from people looking to stop the building of new nuclear reactors. A lot of the fear over nuclear energy has come from the Three Mile Island disaster. However, the other reactor ran without incident for another 40 years following Unit 2's meltdown. So, Microsoft and Constellation Energy likely have a big fight ahead of them in the public, in the governemnt, and in court.
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TikTok sued over Blackout Challenge: Section 230 immunity challenged
(2024-09-01)
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TikTok is known for a lot of things, but its bizarre trends and challenges have become its most controversial. From the more tame trends like the Cinnamon Challenge to incredibly dangerous trends like the Tide Pod Challenge, TikTok has promoted a number of odd things. One of the more dangerous trends was the Blackout Challenge in 2022, which led to several deaths. This week, a court ruled that Section 230 does not insulate the company from fault in relation to the deaths from the Blackout Challenge.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">What was the Blackout Challenge?[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
The 2022 Blackout Challenge on TikTok was a dangerous social media trend that encouraged participants to choke themselves with household items until they passed out, then film the experience and share it online. This challenge, which gained significant traction on the platform, led to numerous injuries and fatalities, particularly among young users. The challenge's popularity highlighted the risks associated with viral internet trends, especially those that involve self-harm or risky behavior.
Tragically, the Blackout Challenge was linked to the deaths of at least 20 children within an 18-month period. The challenge's spread raised serious concerns about the role of social media platforms in moderating harmful content and protecting vulnerable users. In response to these incidents, TikTok faced legal actions and increased scrutiny from regulators and parents, who demanded stricter content moderation and better safety measures to prevent such dangerous trends from proliferating. The Blackout Challenge serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of viral challenges and the need for greater awareness and intervention to protect users, especially minors.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">A challenging lawsuit against TikTok[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
In May 2022, Tawainna Anderson filed a lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, following the tragic death of her 10-year-old daughter, Nylah. Nylah had attempted the dangerous Blackout Challenge. The lawsuit alleges that TikTok's algorithm promoted these harmful videos to young users, including Nylah, despite the known risks. Anderson's legal action claims that TikTok and ByteDance were aware of the challenge and failed to take adequate measures to prevent such content from being accessible to minors.
The case has drawn significant attention to the responsibilities of social media platforms in moderating content and protecting vulnerable users. Initially, a federal district court dismissed the lawsuit, citing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides immunity to platforms for third-party content. However, when a service begins altering the content that it shows to users, it can lose its immunity under Section 230.
[heading" class="UpStreamLink">A legal reprieve in court[/heading" class="UpStreamLink">
This week, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals partially reversed this decision, allowing the lawsuit to proceed. The court ruled that TikTok's algorithm, which curates and recommends videos, could be considered the platform's own expressive activity, thus not protected under Section 230. This ruling could have far-reaching implications for how social media companies manage and recommend content, potentially leading to stricter regulations and greater accountability.
Social media companies have continued to try to hide behind Section 230, while actively promoting and demoting certain content. Section 230 is intended to protect platforms, defined as digital intermediaries that allow others to share speech and content. However, it does not protect publishers, defined as moderated content services. Publishers determine what content will be shown, what content will be not be shown, and the priority of that content. The court has said that, in this case, the prosecution can argue that TikTok's curated algorithm could disqualify it from Section 230 protections, allowing the case to move forward.
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