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Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SAG-AFTRA National Board Approves Commercials Contracts That Prevent AI, Digital Replicas Without Consent
The SAG-AFTRA National Board approved the 2025 Commercials Contracts on Sunday in a deal that the negotiating committee says is worth $218.4 million in increased earnings and benefit plan contributions over the next three years. If ratified, the contracts would prevent performers' data and likeness from being used to train AI without consent, one-year streaming use fees would increase up to 33.33% and paid use would get a 12% increase over current Traditional Digital rates. Additionally, the agreements would see compounded increases in compensation at a rate of 5% in year one, 4% in year two and 3% in year three. 'A huge congratulations goes out to the commercials contracts negotiating committee for their diligent work in this agreement which is an important step forward for protecting the stability of performers' livelihoods during this time of major technological upheavals in the ad industry,' SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said in a Sunday statement.' The committee was co-chaired by Katie Von Till and Erin Fritch who led with strength, wisdom, intellect and patience. Brava ladies! The commercials contracts are a real powerhouse when it comes to addressing tech with more AI protections than any contract so far! Well done!' 'This deal, hard-won thanks to an incredibly dedicated negotiating committee, achieves real wage growth and puts rules and a price tag on digital replica use — essential progress for a changing industry. I'm thrilled the National Board has approved this forward-thinking agreement and that members will now have a chance to review its many gains,' SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland added. 'I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to our extraordinary and courageous negotiating committee, especially co-chairs Erin Fritch and Katie Von Till, and the best co-lead negotiator anyone could ask for, SAG-AFTRA chief contracts officer Ray Rodriguez.' Other tentative details from the deal include pension and health contribution rates raising from 20.5% to 23.5%, more forward disability accommodation, better protections for minor performers, first-day per diems, wage increases for singers' demos that don't air and 25% more for dancers who are asked to lip sync. Ratification votes are now due by 5 p.m. PT on May 2. The post SAG-AFTRA National Board Approves Commercials Contracts That Prevent AI, Digital Replicas Without Consent appeared first on TheWrap.
Independent Singapore
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Independent Singapore
Humans vs Humanoids: Robots compete with humans at Yizhuang half-marathon in China
Photo: The Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing was a blend of technology and athletics as 21 humanoid robots joined thousands of human runners on the 21km course. These robots, created by Chinese companies like DroidVP and Noetix Robotics, have sizes from just under 1.2m to 1.8m tall. One of the companies presented a robot that looked like a human, complete with feminine features, and had the ability to wink and smile. There were also robots dressed for the race, with a few wearing running shoes to further enhance their performance. Moreover, one robot stood out with boxing gloves, and another sported a red headband emblazoned with the words 'Bound to Win' in Chinese. Some of the robots underwent weeks of testing to prepare for the race. These robots were not only accompanied by human trainers but also required physical support from them during the event. Spectator He Sishu, who works in artificial intelligence, shared, 'The robots are running very well, very stable … I feel I'm witnessing the evolution of robots and AI.' The winning robot, Tiangong Ultra, from the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics, completed the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes. On the other hand, the men's race winner finished in 1 hour and 2 minutes. Tang Jian, the chief technology officer of the robotics centre, explained that Tiangong Ultra's performance was helped by its long legs and an algorithm that mimics how humans run a marathon. 'I don't want to boast, but no other robotics firms in the West have matched Tiangong's sporting achievements,' he said. He also added that the robot's batteries were replaced three times during the race. This is the first time humanoid robots have raced alongside humans, even though they have appeared in marathons over the past years. China is investing heavily in emerging industries like robotics, hoping they will fuel new economic growth. BBC News shared the story in a social media post, and netizens had mixed reactions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BBC News (@bbcnews) As one commenter put it, 'They'd have a lot more success if we didn't keep this ridiculous notion that robots have to look like people. Give it four legs…and suddenly it's more stable and has more weight capacity for computers and batteries.' Another netizen remarked: 'It's good to see a diversity of robot forms, sizes, and capabilities as it shows multiple streams of R&D. While some are primitive today, they are at the disruptive innovation stage; based on the progress shown here, they will clearly cross the chasm into being ready for many everyday use cases within three to five years; it's going to be interesting times as we adapt to the new economics of non-human but humanoid workers.' While some found it impressive, other commenters shared a more serious take.'In a few years, this ain't funny anymore,' one person wrote Another added, 'I thought robots were meant to help us (like in extreme situations where humans need rescue, etc), not compete against us in silly races and generate AI art…. what a waste' One more user had strong words saying, 'The reason why we shouldn't have these people creating these 🤭….. They can't even get human life right. Sickening how people want robots to control everything.'
Japan Times
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
YouTube, the online video powerhouse, turns 20
San Francisco – YouTube has evolved from a dinner party lark 20 years ago into a modern lifestyle staple poised to overtake U.S. cable television in paid viewership. PayPal colleagues Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim conceived YouTube in 2005, reportedly during a dinner party. The domain launched on Valentine's Day that year. Video uploading capabilities were added on April 23, when Karim posted the first video, titled "Me at the Zoo." The 19-second clip showing Karim at the San Diego Zoo's elephant exhibit has garnered 348 million views.
