DeepFake vs DeepReal?
Last year was when the idea of AI being able to generate video of celebrities saying or doing things they didn't actually do became, let's just say, a concern for all celebrities and their agents. Fast forward to now, and you have parties from all sides trying to figure out way forward to protect people, annnnd make some easy money.
This takes our top spot, because the implications on the future of so many things will be huge. Along with some other fun diversions that raised our tech eyebrows this week. If you're off next week, enjoy! We'll still try and sneak a little Zaps in your stocking!
YouTube has teamed up with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to launch AI tools that allow celebrities to control their digital likenesses on the platform. This new partnership is designed to help stars manage the use of their image, especially in AI-generated content, while also offering a way for them to request the removal of videos that use their likeness without consent.?
The tools are initially rolling out to top YouTube creators, with plans for wider access soon. CAA has been protective of its clients' digital rights, having previously fought to remove unauthorized AI content. This collaboration reflects a growing effort to balance creativity and ethical concerns in the age of generative AI.
The Pudgy Penguins NFT project has launched its native token, PENGU, with a bang, debuting at a market cap of $2.3 billion. In the first hour of trading, $90 million worth of PENGU tokens were exchanged, signaling strong interest in the Solana-based asset. A significant portion of the token’s supply, 23.5%, was distributed via an airdrop to NFT holders.?
The release of PENGU has also boosted Pudgy Penguin NFTs, with their floor price rising to 34.1 ETH ($136,000), making the collection the second most expensive after CryptoPunks. This move shows that the Pudgy Penguins are thriving, even as the broader NFT market struggles.
Waymo is taking its first international step by launching autonomous vehicle tests in Tokyo, starting in early 2025. In partnership with Japan’s largest taxi operator, Nihon Kotsu, and the taxi app GO, Waymo will initially map key areas of the city using manually operated Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. The data gathered from these tests will help train Waymo’s AI for future self-driving operations.?
While commercial services aren’t yet confirmed, this marks a major milestone for Waymo's expansion, with Japan's aging population seen as a potential boost for autonomous transport. Tokyo's government is actively supporting autonomous technology, further paving the way for Waymo's entry.