Tech Regulation
What is bringing Democrats and Republicans together in this Senate Judiciary Committee hearing?
This hearing represents a rare opportunity for bipartisan agreement regarding big tech regulation. Both Democrats and Republicans expressed concerns that social media corporations haven't prioritized children's safety in their products. They believe legislation should move forward to regulate how social media handles parental advisories and guidance for children. The committee members agree that more protections are needed around children's use of social media platforms, creating a notable moment of unity in what has otherwise been described as a tumultuous Congress.
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CBS News
03:55 - 05:03
What are the origins of the viral AI-generated video featuring celebrities protesting against Kanye West?
The viral AI-generated video was created by two men who work for an AI company in Israel. They posted the video online after the Super Bowl as a way to protest Kanye West's anti-Semitic comments and denounce his actions. While they did include a disclaimer identifying it as AI-generated content, this notice was very small in the description, which led many viewers to believe the footage was authentic when it began circulating on social media. Even Rhona Tarrant, CBS News Executive Editor, admitted it took her several viewings to recognize it wasn't real.
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CBS News
00:50 - 01:15
What's the current status of generative AI legislation in the United States?
Regulations around generative AI are increasing across the United States, with most current state legislation focused on two main areas: politics (addressing deepfakes) and non-consensual pornography. These are domains where there's general agreement about the need for regulation. A smaller number of states have enacted or proposed laws specifically protecting people's likenesses, including their images and voices. Notably, legislation was introduced last year that would provide protection for celebrities like Scarlett Johansson against unauthorized AI recreation of their likeness, addressing growing concerns about consent and image rights in the era of generative AI.
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CBS News
02:59 - 03:29
What was Google's tax settlement with Italy and why was it required?
Google agreed to pay 326 million euros to Italy following an investigation into unpaid taxes. Italian authorities accused the tech giant of failing to declare and pay taxes in the country between 2015 and 2019, which prompted the settlement. This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny that major technology companies face regarding their tax obligations in various countries where they operate. The significant settlement demonstrates Italy's commitment to enforcing tax compliance from multinational corporations operating within its borders.
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WION
02:17 - 02:34
How have attitudes toward free speech changed in the United States and what are Americans unaware of regarding speech laws in Europe?
According to Matt Taibbi, there has been a dramatic shift in U.S. attitudes toward free speech, with over 50% of Americans now supporting the outlawing of misinformation, contrasting sharply with attitudes from 10-15 years ago when most people across political lines believed in the First Amendment and free speech principles. Simultaneously, most Americans remain unaware of stringent speech laws enacted throughout Europe in the last decade, including the Digital Services Act in the EU, the Network Enforcement Act in Germany, and the Online Safety Act in England. These laws allow for imprisonment for speech offenses, representing a significant restriction on free expression that many Americans don't recognize is occurring in allied democratic nations.
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Fox News
02:00 - 02:48
How are social media companies fighting against online protections for children despite promising not to?
Social media companies have found a loophole by paying lobbyists to file lawsuits on their behalf. This is evident in Maryland where NetChoice, a lobbying group representing Meta, X, Snap, and Google, filed a suit against the state's Kids Code that limits data collection on minors and requires prioritizing children's well-being over commercial interests. What makes this particularly significant is that it comes just months after Meta explicitly promised not to fight such policies in court. By working through lobbying groups, companies can oppose child safety regulations while maintaining plausible deniability, effectively circumventing their public commitments to safeguard children on their platforms.
Watch clip answer (01:31m)
Philip DeFranco
23:01 - 24:33