Hollywood is taking significant action to protect intellectual property rights against generative AI technologies. Disney and Universal have jointly filed a lawsuit against Midjourney, a leading AI image generator, accusing it of copyright infringement by using iconic characters and art styles from properties like The Simpsons and Star Wars. This marks the first legal action from major studios targeting an AI company. They seek damages and an injunction to stop Midjourney’s operations, arguing it facilitates extensive plagiarism by allowing users to create derivative images of well-known characters. While some AI tools, such as Adobe’s Firefly, are trained on licensed materials, Midjourney’s model allegedly relies on unlicensed content. With the outcomes of this lawsuit potentially redefining AI’s role in creative sectors, Hollywood may also pursue in-house development of AI generators using their own content. The future of AI art generation hinges on the verdict and ongoing legal battles with AI companies.

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Meta has recently taken steps to combat the rise of “nudify” apps and other problematic AI-generated content online by collaborating with other tech firms. Since late March, it has shared over 3,800 unique URLs with these companies to address the issue. Acknowledging challenges such as companies creating new domains to circumvent ad regulations, Meta has developed technology to identify misleading ads even if they lack explicit nudity. The emergence of AI-generated content also raises concerns about deepfakes—realistic images and videos that can deceive or mislead users. In June, Meta’s Oversight Board criticized the decision to leave up a manipulated Facebook post featuring a video of footballer Ronaldo. To mitigate these issues, Meta employs facial recognition to combat scams involving celebrity likenesses and mandates that political advertisers disclose AI use, especially considering potential implications for election integrity.

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Amazon is partnering with German utility RWE to supply cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) tools in exchange for power. This collaboration aims to enhance RWE’s operational efficiency and support its energy transition efforts by leveraging Amazon’s advanced technologies. RWE plans to use these tools to better predict energy production, manage resources, and improve overall sustainability. The agreement highlights the increasing convergence of technology and energy sectors, as companies look to innovate in response to climate challenges. This partnership not only benefits RWE by modernizing its infrastructure but also provides Amazon with a reliable energy source. The deal underscores the growing trend of tech firms engaging with the energy market to create synergies that can drive both efficiency and profitability. Overall, this collaboration exemplifies the strategic integration of renewable energy solutions with cutting-edge technological advancements.

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The 2025.5 release of Mocha Pro from Boris FX enhances artists’ efficiency in visual effects with several new features. Key updates include automatic face detection for precise tracking and masking, improved AI masking tools like Matte Assist ML, and enhanced 3D camera solving for shots with static cameras. The introduction of customizable export workflows simplifies data management, allowing for batch processing and the creation of presets. Boris Yamnitsky, president of Boris FX, highlights the importance of AI in automating labor-intensive tasks, freeing artists to focus on creative elements. Improvements based on user feedback, including support for ACES 2.0 color management, further streamline processes. Mocha Pro is available via subscription with various flexibility options, and current users receive the update at no additional cost. A 14-day free trial is also accessible through the Boris FX Hub application.

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Large language models (LLMs) are prompting higher education to reassess traditional teaching and disciplinary frameworks, as they break down conventional subject boundaries. Educators face a decision between banning or embracing these AI tools in classrooms. Canadian theorist Marshall McLuhan, a pioneer in understanding technology’s impact on society, warned that technological advancements redefine educational structures by dissolving disciplinary limits and altering the learning-work relationship. He posited that rather than making the liberal arts irrelevant, technology enhances their necessity, promoting critical thinking amid automation.

To navigate this new educational landscape, an “AI-adjacency” framework is proposed, emphasizing collaboration between human intelligence and AI. Six dimensions are outlined: critical discernment, strategic collaboration, voice stewardship, social responsibility, adaptive expertise, and creative agency. These approaches encourage students to engage critically with AI tools while fostering their intellectual autonomy, ensuring technology amplifies, rather than diminishes, human creativity and self-awareness. McLuhan’s insights remind us to maintain conscious interactions with technology to avoid passive dependency.

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Walmart has introduced Sparky, a new AI assistant aimed at enhancing the shopping experience in its stores. This multi-modal generative AI tool analyzes reviews, offers personalized recommendations, and helps customers plan and compare products confidently. Available through the “Ask Sparky” button in the app, it answers questions, highlights key features, and simplifies product comparisons, ultimately saving time and money for shoppers. The assistant also facilitates meal planning, DIY project guidance, and event organization, making it a valuable shopping partner. Additionally, Walmart is developing other AI technologies, like Wally, a tool designed for merchants to streamline operations and improve productivity. Both innovations reflect Walmart’s commitment to utilizing smart technology to meet evolving customer needs and enhance overall shopping efficiency.

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Meta has filed a lawsuit against Crush AI aimed at stopping the promotion of “nudify apps” on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. These applications utilize AI to alter images, typically nudifying pictures of individuals without their consent, raising significant privacy and ethical concerns. Meta claims that these apps violate its advertising policies and contribute to the spread of harmful content. The lawsuit seeks not only to halt advertising related to these apps but also to protect users from potential misuse of their images. Meta’s action highlights ongoing challenges in regulating AI technologies, particularly those that can infringe on personal privacy and consent. The case reflects a broader industry effort to combat the irresponsible use of AI in digital platforms. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could set a precedent for how social media companies manage and regulate AI-generated content.

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Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to overhaul its major AI cloud service to better compete with Google. Recognizing the growing demand for generative AI technologies, AWS aims to enhance its offerings to attract more businesses. The revamp will focus on improving performance and usability, making it easier for companies to integrate AI solutions into their operations. This strategy involves updating existing tools and potentially introducing new features that align more closely with market leaders. By investing in advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, AWS seeks to narrow the competitive gap with Google, which has been a strong player in this field. The initiative highlights the increasing emphasis on AI and the need for cloud service providers to continuously innovate to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving landscape. This update underscores the broader trend of businesses leveraging AI to boost efficiency and drive innovation.

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