Who Owns the Voice of Darth Vader: The Actor, the Studio, or the Algorithm?

Today:

• We’ve got Trump signing a law to crack down on revenge porn and deepfakes
• Lawmakers scrambling to protect kids from shady AI chatbots
• Uber going full robotaxi
• Fashion turning to AI models
• Beauty getting super personalized
• Darth Vader’s voice sparking a Hollywood labor fight

Let’s get into it.

Politics

Can Trump’s New Law Finally Stop Revenge Porn and Deepfakes?

Briefing: On May 19, 2025, President Trump signed the "Take It Down Act" into law, making it a federal crime to share intimate images without consent, including AI-generated "deepfakes." First Lady Melania Trump, who actively supported the bill, also signed it during the White House ceremony.

Details: The law targets the non-consensual sharing of explicit images, often referred to as "revenge porn." It requires websites and social media platforms to remove such content within 48 hours of a victim's request. The bill got strong support from both parties: 409 out of 411 members in the House voted for it, and every senator in the Senate also voted yes.

Melania Trump championed the bill, emphasizing the dangers of AI and social media in facilitating online exploitation. She described the law as a "national victory" for protecting children and highlighted its alignment with her "Be Best" campaign focused on children's safety and well-being.

Why It Matters: This legislation marks a significant federal step in combating online sexual exploitation. By criminalizing the distribution of non-consensual intimate images and mandating swift removal by online platforms, the law aims to protect individuals, especially minors, from digital abuse. It also sets a precedent for regulating AI-generated content that can be used maliciously. (AP News)

Legal

Is AI Chatting With Our Kids and Who’s Protecting Them?

Briefing: Connecticut lawmakers and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal are pushing for stronger protections for kids online after a report revealed that AI chatbots were having sexually explicit chats with students in the state.

Details: The Connecticut Senate passed a bill expanding the state's Data Privacy Act. This bill would require more companies, including small businesses and nonprofits to put safeguards in place against cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and targeted ads aimed at minors. Senator James Maroney and Attorney General William Tong are leading the charge on this.

At the federal level, Senator Blumenthal reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act. This legislation aims to regulate social media and AI platforms to better protect children from harmful content.

However, not everyone is on board. Some lawmakers and business groups argue that strict regulations could hurt small businesses and discourage investment in Connecticut. Governor Ned Lamont and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have also raised concerns.

Why It Matters: As AI technology becomes more common, there's growing concern about its impact on kids. Lawmakers are trying to get ahead of potential dangers, but they're facing pushback from those worried about the economic impact of new regulations. This debate highlights the challenge of keeping children safe online while also supporting innovation and business growth. (CT Insider)

Travel & Transportation

Is Uber About to Flood the Streets with Driverless Cars?

Briefing: Uber is teaming up with May Mobility to roll out thousands of self-driving rides across the U.S., starting in Arlington, Texas, by the end of 2025.

Details: May Mobility, a Michigan-based autonomous vehicle company backed by Toyota and BMW, will deploy its self-driving Toyota Sienna minivans on Uber’s platform. The initial phase will include safety drivers, with plans to transition to fully driverless operations. May Mobility specializes in operating in geofenced areas like business districts and campuses. This partnership is non-exclusive; May Mobility is also collaborating with Lyft for a robotaxi launch in Atlanta later this year.

Why it Matters: This deal is part of Uber's broader strategy to integrate various autonomous vehicle technologies into its services, aiming to become a central platform for robotaxis and autonomous deliveries. For May Mobility, the partnership provides an opportunity to scale its operations and bring autonomous transportation to more urban areas. (The Verge)

Fashion

Is AI About to Replace Models and Photographers for Good?

Briefing: Fashion brands are turning to AI-generated models for their product photos, cutting costs and speeding up content creation.

Details: Companies like BetterStudio, Lalaland, Botika, and FashnAI offer services where retailers upload clothing images and receive AI-generated photos of models wearing those clothes. This process allows customization by body type, ethnicity, and more. BetterStudio, for instance, charges between $0.75 and $1.30 per image, significantly less than traditional photo shoots.

Retailers can quickly create high-quality images that are custom-made for different audiences or regions, allowing them to test different ad ideas more quickly.

Why it Matters: This shift offers substantial savings and efficiency for retailers. However, it raises concerns among fashion industry workers about job security. In response, New York state enacted a law in December 2024 to protect fashion workers from potential AI misuse. (PYMNTS)

Beauty

Is 2025 the Year We Finally Redefine Beauty From Inside Out?

Briefing: In 2025, the beauty world is all about empowerment. Consumers aren't just buying products; they're diving deep into ingredients, routines, and tech to make smarter choices. This shift is changing how brands and stores connect with their customers.

Details: According to Mintel's Andrew McDougall, today's shoppers want to co-create and fully understand the products they use. They're seeking clear, fact-based info through packaging, apps, and digital tools. Brands are stepping up with AI-powered skincare diagnostics, virtual advisors, and personalized consultations. Retailers are training staff to offer expert advice and creating in-store experiences.

The trend is moving toward hyper-personalization; think custom lipsticks, DNA-based serums, and routines customized to your daily stress levels. A Mintel study found that 62% of U.S. consumers are interested in personalized beauty products, and 28% are willing to pay more for them.

Why it Matters: This trend isn't just about new products; it's about a new relationship between brands and consumers. By prioritizing education, transparency, and personalization, companies can build trust and meet the growing demand for products that fit individual needs. In a market where knowledge is power, staying informed is key to staying ahead. (Premium Beauty News)

Entertainment

Who Owns the Voice of Darth Vader: The Actor, the Studio, or the Algorithm?

Briefing: SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), the actors' union, has filed a labor complaint against Epic Games' Llama Productions for using AI to recreate Darth Vader's voice in Fortnite without consulting the union.

Details: On May 19, 2025, SAG-AFTRA accused Llama Productions of bypassing unionized voice actors by employing AI-generated voices, violating their collective bargaining agreement. The union emphasizes the need to negotiate terms when technology replaces human performers, especially for iconic characters like Darth Vader. Epic Games has not yet responded to the allegations.

Why it Matters: This dispute underscores the growing tension between technological advancements and labor rights in the entertainment industry. As AI becomes more prevalent, ensuring fair treatment and compensation for human performers remains a critical concern. (AP News)

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