ByteDance to Curb AI App After Disney Legal Threat; Starmer Pledges Social Media Crackdown
LONDON - In a week marked by developments in technology, business, and politics, Chinese tech giant ByteDance announced it would curb its AI video-making tool, Seedance, following a legal threat from Disney, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged to crack down on the "addictive elements" of social media. These events, alongside calls for investigation into Prince Andrew's time as trade envoy and discussions on economic growth models, dominated headlines.
ByteDance's decision to curb Seedance came after Disney sent a cease-and-desist letter, accusing the AI platform of copyright infringement. The app, which allows users to create realistic videos, had recently gained popularity, but also raised concerns among Hollywood studios. "In the last few days, videos made using the latest version of the app Seedance have proliferated online," reported BBC Business.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Starmer outlined plans to address online safety, including measures to close loopholes in existing laws. He promised to act swiftly to protect children online, stating that no platform would receive a "free pass." The proposals include requiring tech giants to preserve data on a child's phone if they die, as campaigned for by the group Jools' Law, and consulting on a potential social media ban for under-16s. Opponents, however, accused the government of "inaction."
In other news, Sir Vince Cable, a former business secretary, called for an investigation into Prince Andrew's tenure as trade envoy. Files released by the US Department of Justice reportedly show the former prince forwarded UK government documents and commercial information to Jeffrey Epstein. Sir Vince described Andrew's behavior as "totally unacceptable," referencing reports of him leaking sensitive information about the Royal Bank of Scotland and Aston Martin. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Elsewhere, the economic landscape of the UK was under scrutiny. Manchester's growth was highlighted as a potential model for the country. "There is a buzz around Manchester that is difficult to truly understand unless you spend time there," noted Faisal Islam, economics editor for BBC Business. The city's strategies, implemented over decades and supported by various governments, are now "flowering," raising questions about how to kickstart growth across the UK.
Finally, in a different arena, Spencer Pratt's mayoral bid in Los Angeles faced family opposition. His sister, Stephanie Pratt, expressed concerns about her brother's campaign, suggesting his intentions were not entirely pure. According to Fox News, Stephanie noted that Spencer was a vital asset to the community more than one year after the devastating LA wildfires, but that his campaign was simply an attempt to stay relevant.
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