Tag Archives: protest

Massive Attack Withdraws Music from Spotify to Protest CEO Daniel Ek’s AI Army Investment

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The significant move was the latest part of founder Daniel Ek’s strategy to withdraw catalogs from Spotify in protest against his €600 million (£520 million) investment in military AI company Helsing.

In June, Ek’s venture capital firm, Prima Materia, spearheaded a funding round for the defense tech firm. Helsing’s software leverages AI to analyze battlefield sensor and weapon system data, facilitating real-time military decision-making. Additionally, they plan to develop their own military drone, the HX-2. Ek also serves as chairman of Helsing.

The band has announced their participation in Music for Genocide, a new initiative where over 400 artists and record labels are removing their music from Israeli streaming platforms.

In a statement, the band expressed:

In light of the substantial investments made by CEOs in companies unrelated to the initiative and engaged in producing military drones and AI technologies for fighter jets, the band has made separate requests to labels to remove their music from Spotify across all regions.

We believe that the historical effectiveness of artists’ actions during apartheid in South Africa serves as a precedent for addressing the war crimes and genocide currently perpetrated by the state of Israel, which underscores the moral duties of artists.

Moreover, the financial strain on artists has now combined with moral and ethical burdens, ultimately affecting the hard-earned income of fans and the creative endeavors of musicians.

Enough is enough.

Alternative methods must be explored.

になったんです。 English: The first thing you can do is to find the best one to do. A spokesperson for Spotify stated, “Spotify and Helsing are entirely separate entities.”

They further clarified that Helsing “has no involvement in Gaza” and that their operations “are focused on protecting Europe against threats from Ukraine.”

In a statement, Helsing asserted, “Currently, Helsing’s technology is not deployed in war zones outside of Ukraine, which is misleading.”

“Our technology is utilized in European countries for deterrence and to defend against Russian assaults on Ukraine.”

Australian psych-rock group King Gizzard and Canadian post-rock band Godspeed You! Black Emperor, alongside US alternative acts Deerhoof and Manchester’s Wu Lyf, have also joined in this effort.

In contrast to these bands, large-scale attacks cannot showcase their music on popular platforms like Bandcamp. After transitioning to Bandcamp, King Gizzard’s extensive catalog filled the top 27 spots on the site.

The No No Music for Genocide initiative features artists such as MJ Lenderman, Amyl and the Sniffers, Rina Sawayama, Jockstrap, Keiyaa, John Glacier, Erika de Casier, Smerz, and Wednesday. These artists have either modified their release territories or requested geo-blocking for their music.

Massive Attack has amplified their message through Instagram posts.

In 1991, the tragedy of apartheid violence in South Africa was alleviated from a distance through public boycotts, protests, and artists withdrawing their work. Complicity with such a regime was deemed unacceptable. The same principle applies to the state of Israeli atrocities in 2025. Many musicians are responding to the recently launched @Filmworkers4Palestine campaign, endorsed by 4,500 filmmakers, actors, industry workers, and institutions, supporting issues from @bds.movement, @NomusicForGenocide, and more. We urge all musicians to convert their grief, anger, and artistic contributions into consistent, rational, and impactful actions, aiming to end the suffering imposed on Palestinians for far too long.

Massive Attack, alongside Brian Eno, kNeecap, and Fontaine DC, have established a coalition of artists advocating for Palestinian rights, defending musicians against the threat of silence or the risk of career setbacks enforced by organizations such as the Israeli UK Lawfare Institute (UKLFI), which reportedly led Bob Billan in a controversial performance.

This coalition informed The Guardian: “This unified action aims to provide solidarity to artists who endure daily in the face of genocide, yet are apprehensive about using their platforms to voice their concerns due to the pervasive censorship in the industry and highly organized external legal pressures.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Microsoft Employees Protest Headquarters Over Company’s Ties to Israeli Military

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Numerous Microsoft employees have taken over the East Campus in Redmond, Washington, to conduct operations in Gaza and protest the exploitation of software by Israeli forces for Palestinian surveillance.

Just three months post the initiation of an independent inquiry into the utilization of Azure software, current and former employees established a “free zone,” displaying placards with messages like “Join the Workers Intifada” and “Martyred Palestinian Children’s Plaza.”

The demonstration is organized by a group advocating for justice and demands Microsoft to divest from operations in Israel. Earlier this year, employee Joe Lopez interrupted a speech by CEO Satya Nadella at a developer conference.

“Satya, do you think Microsoft is complicit in killing Palestinians?” Lopez questioned.

Protester Hosam Nasr expressed on Tuesday his decision to escalate actions due to a lack of adequate response from Microsoft.

He emphasized that the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) seemed personally driven to act after the targeted killing of Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al Sharif, one of five media members killed during surgery earlier this month.

“He reported relentlessly on Gaza amidst the hunger and bombing campaigns. He was intentionally targeted,” Nasr stated.

“This happened the same week when the Guardian reported that Microsoft contained substantial surveillance data gathered from calls made by Palestinians.”

Recently, the Guardian and Israeli +972 magazine disclosed that Unit 8200, the Israeli military intelligence, utilized Azure to store numerous recordings of mobile conversations from Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Seattle Convention Center in May. Photo: Jason Redmond/AFP by Getty Images

The company claims it was not involved in “supervising civilians or collecting mobile conversations using Microsoft’s services.”

The Microsoft protests coincide with increasing caution from organizations, including the UN, regarding a “widespread crisis of hunger, malnutrition, and disease” in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry estimates that at least 62,000 Palestinians have died since the IDF commenced operations following Hamas’ attack on October 7.

“Each second we delay, the situation in Palestine deteriorates,” stated Nasreen Jaradat, 29, a Microsoft employee.

She added: “People are increasingly hungry and suffering from bombings.”

The protest concluded about two hours later, with police instructing demonstrators to vacate or face arrest for trespassing.

A Microsoft spokesperson indicated that the group was “asked to leave, and they complied.”

The spokesperson mentioned there was nothing further to add to last week’s statement regarding the investigation initiated by Azle over alleged monitoring of Palestinians.

“Following these assessments, which included interviews with numerous employees and document reviews, there was no evidence of Microsoft’s Azure and AI technology being utilized to target or harm individuals in the Gaza conflict.”

Microsoft employs approximately 47,000 individuals in Redmond. Some read flyers distributed by activists on Tuesday, while others enjoyed lunch in nearby restaurants.

A 28-year-old employee observing the protests expressed sympathy but did not believe it would lead to substantial change.

“I doubt it will make a difference,” he stated.

Protesters believe their efforts contribute to raising awareness.

“We are fostering discussions among Microsoft employees, encouraging more open conversations about how their work may contribute to acts of genocide,” remarked another employee, Julius Shan, 28.

People are gradually understanding how the company’s activities correlate with genocide, he explained. “But that’s part of the learning process.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Six Arrested During Protest Against Palantir’s Deportation Software for Trump Officials

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On Thursday morning, six demonstrators were arrested while protesting outside their offices in New York City. The protest aimed to spotlight businesses engaged in controversial practices that facilitate the deportation of immigrants in the United States.

The activists gathered in front of the Palantir office located on Manhattan Avenue, linking their arms to obstruct the building’s entrance, effectively stopping several individuals attempting to pass. At one point, some protesters entered the lobby of the building, holding signs that read “Palantir Powers ICE,” referencing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Organized by Planet over Profit, a climate justice organization that addresses systemic inequality, the protest received support from the immigration rights group Mijente. After approximately an hour, police intervened, dispersing the crowd. The six arrested individuals were subsequently taken to the seventh precinct and released by 11:20 AM.




Protesters are arrested outside Palantir’s New York office. Photo: Luigi Morris

Caroline Chouinard, a Brooklyn resident among those arrested, stated that police began zip-tying individuals before fully complying with dispersal commands. Chouinard mentioned that some people identifying themselves as Palantir employees also physically advanced on the protesters. Video footage taken by Planet representatives did not confirm if those pushing the protesters were indeed Palantir employees. Chouinard was released on a subpoena for a court appearance regarding disorderly conduct charges.

“During the arrest, we faced significant physical violence,” Chouinard told the Guardian. “I didn’t plan to get arrested personally. I positioned my body to stand my ground. I was continually pushed down and grabbed.”


Chouinard expressed their reason for attending the protest was to oppose Palantir’s role in enabling institutions that “have harmed my neighbor and made them disappear.”

“We are interrupting Palantir’s normal operations because it doesn’t belong in NYC to create AI that strengthens and streamlines fascism,” Chouinard stated. “Palantir specializes in monitoring and tracking individuals. It’s our duty to keep them accountable. They collaborate with the Trump administration, ICE, and the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). From New York to Los Angeles, fear is perpetuated by companies like Palantir.”

The company has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the protest.




Protesters are demonstrating outside Palantir’s New York office. Photo: Luigi Morris

Founded in 2003 by billionaire investor Peter Thiel and currently led by CEO Alex Karp, Palantir, known for data mining, has garnered criticism due to its increasing contracts with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies. In April, Palantir received a $30 million contract to develop an immigration surveillance platform for ICE, aimed at expediting the identification and apprehension of targeted immigrants. This contract adds to previous ICE contracts, with Palantir first awarded one during the Obama administration in 2014, subsequently renewed multiple times. The company is set to assist in creating “Mega APIs” for data access within the Internal Revenue Service.

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In a letter sent in mid-June, ten Democrats highlighted that Palantir’s initiative to construct a “mega-database” for the Trump administration would combine personal information from multiple government sources, risking violations of federal privacy laws according to reports from the New York Times.

The company refuted the claims made by the Democrats’ letter, asserting: “To clarify: Palantir does not create a master database, nor do we enable extensive surveillance of American citizens. We do not manage the system or determine its applications.”

Protesters did not expect any response from Palantir concerning their demands to cease collaborations with ICE or other federal entities. According to Liv Senghor, the lead organizer from Planet over Profit, their focus was on mobilizing “the average American.”

“We want everyday individuals who value freedom of speech and privacy to recognize how deeply ingrained Palantir is in not just our government and military, but also in our everyday lives,” Senghor stated. “Our objective is to stir sufficient anger and frustration toward Palantir, inciting a grassroots movement of common people who can be heard.”

The protest organizers are also planning to hold a demonstration in front of Palantir’s Palo Alto office on Thursday afternoon.

Source: www.theguardian.com

“Online Misinformation Surrounds La Ice Protest: ‘Fuel for Right-Wing Agitators'”

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Since the uproar surrounding the immigration attacks in Los Angeles began, a wave of inaccurate and misleading claims about ongoing protests has proliferated across text-based social networks. As Donald Trump significantly ramped up federal involvement, falsehoods shared on social media intertwined with misinformation propagated through channels established by the White House. This blend of genuine and deceptive information creates a distorted representation of a city that strays from the truth.

Various regions in Los Angeles have experienced substantial protests over the last four days in response to intensified immigration policies from the US presidential administration. Dramatic images circulated on Saturday from downtown Los Angeles depicted a car ablaze amid clashes with law enforcement. Many posts fostered the impression that chaos and violence engulfed the entirety of Los Angeles, despite the fact that disturbances remained limited to specific areas within the sprawling city. Trump sent 2,000 National Guard troops to the city without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has prompted the state to sue over this alleged infringement of sovereignty. Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegses has ordered approximately 700 Marines to be deployed to the city.


As misinformation proliferates amid both street-level and legal confrontations, the intersection of lies and conflict is evident. Social media often acts as a catalyst for the spread of falsehoods, a trend noted during recent wildfires in Los Angeles, catastrophic hurricanes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the most egregious disinformation is the circulation of a video featuring Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum by conservative Russian accounts, leading into the protests and inciting the demonstrations showcased on the Mexican flag, as reported by the misinformed Watchdog News Guard. These misleading posts — crafted by Benny Johnson on Twitter/X, referencing pro-Trump outlets like wltreport.com and Russian state media RG.RU — garnered millions of views, according to the organization. On June 9th, Sheinbaum stated to reporters:

Posts about bricks stir up a mixture of real and fake news

Conspiracy-minded conservatives are quick to latch onto familiar tropes. A post on X claimed that the “Soros Funding Organization” had garnered over 9,500 retweets regarding brick pallets near Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, racking up more than 800,000 views. George Soros remains a recurring figure in right-wing conspiracy narratives, with the post similarly implicating LA Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom in the supposed shortage of supplies.

I encountered a post that read, “It’s a civil war!!!”

The images of stacked bricks originate from a Malaysian construction supplier, and the myth that these bricks were distributed to protesters dates back to the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Users on X shared insights regarding the “Community Notes,” while X’s built-in AI chatbot Grok also provided fact-checks in response to inquiries about the authenticity of the post.


In response to the hoax imagery, some X users shared a link to Real footage showing protesters slamming concrete bollards, intertwining truths and falsehoods, and obscuring the reality of the situation. Independent journalists who showcased the footage claimed it depicted projectiles hurled at police, although the footage revealed no such actions.

The Social Media Lab, a research group at Toronto Metropolitan University, was referenced in Blueski.

Trump and the White House are covered in mud

Trump himself fueled narratives suggesting that the protests were orchestrated and dominated by external agitators lacking genuine concern for local issues.

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“These individuals are not protesters; they are troublemakers and anarchists,” Trump asserted on Truth Social, later screenshot and shared by Elon Musk on X. Others within the administration echoed similar sentiments on social media.

Los Angeles Times reporter noted that the White House claimed certain Mexican citizens had been arrested for assaulting an officer “during the riot.” However, it was established that customs and border protection agents had detained him prior to the protest’s commencement.

Sowing misleading information and fostering distrust

Trump has escalated the frequency of ICE raids nationwide, amplifying deportation fears throughout Los Angeles. Anti-ICE posts are also circulating misinformation, according to the Social Media Lab. One concerning post on Blueski, labeled “breaking,” alleged that a federal agent had just arrived at an LA elementary school seeking to interrogate first graders, when in reality, the incident occurred two months prior. Researchers have identified such posts as “Rage-Farming to Push Merch.”


The conspiracy platform Infowars has initiated a broadcast on X titled “Live Watch: LA ICE Riots Spread Across Major Cities Nationwide.” While protests against deportation have emerged in various locations, the level of confusion observed in Los Angeles is unmatched. The broadcast attracted 13,000 viewers simultaneously as X, a Los Angeles news service, aired coverage four nights after the immigration protest.

The spread of erroneous reporting undermines X’s credibility as a news platform, yet it continues to promote itself as the leading news application in the US, or more recently, in Qatar. Older images and videos are combined with new to instill doubts about legitimate news. After taking over Twitter in late 2022, Musk has endorsed user-generated fact-checking via the “Community Notes” feature, but has dismantled numerous internal avenues designed to counter misinformation. Particularly with the 2024 US presidential election approaching, researchers indicate that Musk himself has become a significant facilitator of misinformation, posting and resharing misleading claims that garnered around 2 billion views on numerous occasions. The Center for Countering Digital Hate.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Pornhub Owners Suspend French Sites in Protest of New Age Verification Law

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Visitors from France accessing adult sites like PornHub, YouPorn, and RedTube will encounter a message that criticizes the nation’s age verification laws, as announced by the company on Tuesday.

A spokesperson indicated that Iro, the parent company, has set a requirement for users to be 18 years or older, responding to French legislation mandating that adult sites implement stricter measures to verify the ages of their users.

“It’s clear that Iro has made the tough choice to restrict access for French users on platforms like Pornhub, Youporn, and Redtube. Tomorrow, we will utilize these platforms to directly engage with the French public,” stated a Pornhub representative on Tuesday.

Instead of providing a vast array of adult content on PornHub, Iro aims to “directly communicate with the French populace about the dangers and invasiveness of privacy, along with the ineffectiveness of French laws,” said Solomon Friedman, owner of Iro and a partner at Ethical Capital Partners, during a video call with reporters on Tuesday.

This year, France will gradually implement new requirements for all adult sites, enabling users to verify their ages using personal information such as credit cards and identification documents.

To safeguard privacy, operators are required to offer third-party “double-blind” options that prevent the sites from accessing users’ identities.

However, Iro contends that this approach is flawed and jeopardizes user data to potential threats, hacks, and leaks.

The company argues that France should focus on the developers of operating systems like Microsoft’s Windows, Apple’s iOS, and Google’s Android, rather than targeting pornographic platforms.

“Iro takes age verification seriously,” executive Alex Kekesi noted during a media call.

She emphasized that individual platforms carry a “significant risk” to privacy rights concerning age verification.

Friedman from ECP stated, “Google, Apple, and Microsoft have integrated features within their operating systems to verify a user’s age at the device level.”

The capacity to “supply age signals to any site or application” can enable control over access to adult content while keeping sensitive information private, offering a viable solution,” he argued.

“We recognize that these three companies are powerful, but that doesn’t excuse France’s actions,” he added.

Iro’s message to adult content viewers includes imagery promoting freedom, inspired by Eugene Delacroix’s renowned painting featuring nude figures.

Culture Minister Auroa Berge mentioned that if adult sites choose to block French users instead of adhering to the law, it would be “very positive.”

“Minors in France will have less access to violent, degrading, and humiliating content,” she remarked.

“If Iro prefers to withdraw from France rather than comply with our regulations, they are free to do so,” stated Clara Chappaz, the French Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology, on X.

According to Arcom, 2.3 million minors visit porn sites each month, even though they are legally prohibited from doing so.

Elsewhere in the European Union, adult content platforms face increased scrutiny. EU regulators announced last month that several sites, including Pornhub, are under investigation for failing to uphold child protection regulations.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Microsoft Employees Disrupt CEO’s Keynote in Protest Against Pro-Palestinian Technology

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Employees at Microsoft disrupted a keynote speech by the CEO during a pro-Palestinian protest at the company’s annual developer conference on Monday.

Microsoft firmware engineer Joe Lopez, involved in the development of the Azure cloud computing platform, was confronted by security shortly after he challenged Satya Nadella.

“Satya, are you aware that Microsoft is contributing to the deaths of Palestinians?” Lopez exclaimed. “Why not highlight how Israeli war crimes are facilitated by the cloud?”




Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupt Microsoft Keynote speech – video

Following the incident, Lopez sent out a company-wide email detailing his reasons for protesting.

“As a major global corporation, Microsoft holds significant power to effect positive change. We must either end this ongoing tragedy or cease our technical support for Israel,” the email stated. This statement is also available on Medium. “Should our leadership continue to dismiss this demand, it won’t go unnoticed. The world is waking up to our complicity and is voicing its opposition. Boycotts will escalate, and our reputation will suffer immensely.”

Organizers from a worker-led group named No Azure for Apartheid (NOAA) coordinated protests that coincided with the developer conference. This group has been actively protesting Microsoft’s cloud computing agreements with the Israeli military for over a year, asserting that Azure Cloud services have facilitated the surveillance of Palestinian citizens as well as Israeli military operations. An Ofek Unit manages a database of potential airstrike targets. Leaked documents reportedly reveal that Microsoft has “significant footprints across major military infrastructure” in Israel, according to +972 Magazine.

“The initiative began over a year ago. No Azure for Apartheid campaigns launched in response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding over the past seven months,” noted Anna Hattle, a Microsoft employee and NOAA organizer, in an email to the management on May 15th. Crimes from 77 years ago highlight the critical difference today, where Israeli forces are executing genocidal acts on a much larger scale, aided by Microsoft’s Cloud and AI technologies.”

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Lopez’s protest is the second such incident within two months. On April 6, Microsoft employees Ibtihal Aboussad and Vaniya Agrawal interrupted an AI event, accusing the company’s AI head, Mustafa Suleyman, of war profiteering. Both employees were subsequently terminated. The current status of Lopez’s job is still unclear. Last year, Google experienced similar internal protests regarding its contracts with the Israeli military.

In response to concerns about Microsoft’s technology being utilized by the Israeli military, Microsoft stated that investigations found no evidence showing that their technology was used to endanger or target civilians. However, the activist group NOAA has disputed this conclusion. Microsoft has yet to issue a comment regarding Lopez’s protest.

“Leadership dismisses our assertion that Azure technology is being employed to target or harm civilians in Gaza. Those of us who are aware understand that this is a blatant falsehood,” Lopez emphasized in his email to staff. “We don’t need internal audits to recognize that key Azure clients are engaged in human rights violations. This reality becomes evident online each day.”

Lopez’s protest coincides with the remembrance of the Nakba, marking 77 years since the event.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Demand for Used Teslas Rises as Owners Sell in Protest of Elon Musk

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Ken Harvey has been focusing on developing the business of Honda and Mazda dealers in Northern California, particularly in the area of selling used Teslas over the past few months.

Harvey frequently acquires second-hand Teslas at local car auctions and sells them at very reasonable prices, sometimes below $20,000, especially for the Model 3 sedan which is a popular choice among consumers eligible for state incentives.

As the owner of four Honda dealers and two Mazda franchises in Alameda County, Harvey mentioned that they have sold multiple Teslas this year, with most cars not staying in stock for long.

In a backlash against Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a close confidant of President Trump, the used Tesla business has seen significant growth over the years.

This surge in the used Tesla market has been attributed to price cuts and decreased value of second-hand models by Tesla, which has led to a surge in sales.

Musk’s political activities, including his association with Trump, have sparked protests and encouraged Tesla owners to sell their vehicles, impacting Tesla’s business globally.

Dr. Jerome Winegarden of Ann Arbor, Michigan, recently traded his Model 3 Tesla for a Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to his disillusionment with Elon Musk’s actions.

The number of used Teslas for sale in the US has been increasing, with many owners opting to replace their Teslas due to various reasons, including political concerns.

Tesla’s sales have been impacted in various regions due to Musk’s political affiliations, leading to a decline in demand for the vehicles.

Protests against Tesla and Elon Musk have been on the rise, with some incidents of vandalism and destruction of Tesla properties reported.

Musk’s political activities have significantly impacted Tesla’s sales globally, including in European countries where sales have declined.

Analysts believe that Musk’s political involvement has influenced Tesla’s sales trends in the US, although the exact impact is hard to determine.

The number of used Teslas for sale in the US has been increasing, with more vehicles being traded in for new models or sold at dealerships.

Experts suggest that Musk’s political stance is damaging the Tesla brand, leading to changes in consumer behavior.

Enzo Costa, sales director for Patrick Dealer Group in Chicago, observed a decrease in the value of used Teslas in the market, prompting customers to trade them in for other vehicles.

Despite the challenges, Ken Harvey in California noted a steady demand for affordable Teslas, especially among customers looking to switch to electric vehicles.

Changes in the Tesla market have driven different strategies among dealers, with some opting to sell at auctions rather than to individual buyers.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Authors in London protest Meta’s theft of book and use of ‘Shadow Library’ to train AI

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A demonstration will be held today outside Meta’s London office by authors and other publishing industry experts protesting the organization’s use of copyrighted books for training artificial intelligence.

Notable figures like novelists Kate Moss and Tracy Chevalier, poet Daljit Nagra, and former chairman of the Royal Literature Society, are expected to be present outside Meta’s Kings Cross office.

Protesters will gather at Granary Square at 1:30 pm, with hand-written letters to Meta by the Authors Association (SOA) planned for 1:45 pm, also to be sent to Meta’s US headquarters.

Earlier this year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg allegedly approved the use of Libgen, known as the “Shadow Library,” which contains over 7.5 million books. The Atlantic recently released a searchable database of the titles in Libgen, suggesting that authors’ works may have been used to train Meta’s AI models.

SOA Chair Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin condemned Meta’s actions as “illegal, shocking, and devastating for writers.”

Vanessa added, “Books take years to write, and Meta stealing them for AI replication threatens authors’ livelihoods.”

In response, a Meta spokesperson claimed they respect intellectual property rights and believe their actions comply with the law.

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Several prominent authors, including Moss, Richard Osman, Isiguro Kawako, and Val McDermid, signed a letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandi asking for Meta executives to appear before Congress. The petition garnered over 7,000 signatures.

Today’s protest is led by novelist AJ West, who expressed dismay at seeing their work in the Libgen database without consent.

A court filing in January revealed a group of authors suing Meta for copyright infringement, noting the impact on authors’ rights by using unauthorized databases like Libgen.

SOA’s chief executive Anna Gunley emphasized the detrimental effect of companies exploiting authors’ copyrighted works.

Protesters are encouraged to create placards and use hashtags like #MetaBookThieves, #DothewRiteThing, #MakeItfair.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Transformation of Tesla into a Political Protest Hotspot

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Protesters gathered at Tesla showrooms in cities worldwide over the weekend to demonstrate against Elon Musk’s alliance with Donald Trump within the US government. Their main focus was to denounce Tesla’s vehicles. A sign in Manhattan declared, “Burning Tesla and saving democracy.” Demonstrators are leveraging consumer products as a means to impact American political democracy.

Reports from colleagues Dara Kerr and Edward Helmore revealed:

Hundreds of anti-Tesla protesters convened outside the EV Manhattan showroom on Saturday. Sophie Shepherd, 23, an organizer at Planet over Profit, clarified that the protest was not about electric vehicles per se.

“We’re here to protest the ties that essentially linked Tesla’s car show to the White House lawn,” she stated. “Our aim is to disrupt his business in every way possible, including not just CyberTruck but all Tesla models.”

Although the demonstration didn’t draw a large crowd, Musk’s fortune has decreased by over $100 billion as Tesla’s stock plummeted by nearly half from its peak in December 2024.

The political involvement of Musk forces many Tesla owners to take a stand for or against the company.

Musk is closely associated with Tesla. The company disclosed in its annual report that it heavily relies on Tesla and Musk’s technology services. Tesla’s technology is a significant factor in this contentious connection.

Moreover, the public perception of Musk’s political affiliations is intertwined with Tesla. Initially revered as a tech genius, Musk’s inspiration from Iron Man elevated Tesla’s brand, fueling the growth of his rocket enterprise.

However, with Musk’s polarizing public image, Tesla’s success hinges on maintaining public trust and confidence. The company’s disclosure emphasizes its aim to appeal to a diverse range of potential customers globally.

Musk’s political endeavors place Tesla owners in the spotlight, forcing them to either endorse or disavow the company. Owners often feel compelled to justify their purchase or publicly distance themselves from the company’s political stance. This dichotomy raises concerns about the public’s perception of Tesla as a mere political symbol.

Meanwhile, Musk’s narrow target audience was highlighted by hosting a Tesla sales event on the White House grounds, aligning with a controversial presidency. The outcome for Tesla remains uncertain, but its social relevance appears to impact its financial standing.

For more details on Saturday’s protest, read the full story here.

More about Elon Musk

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Source: www.theguardian.com

Global protest to be held at 200 Tesla showrooms in opposition to Elon Musk

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Protests are set to take place at Tesla’s showrooms across the US and internationally this Saturday. Organized under the name Tesla Takedown, these demonstrations have been growing in size since Donald Trump’s presidency began. Over 200 Tesla locations worldwide, with almost 50 in California alone, will be the sites of these protests.

The goal of the protestors is to oppose the actions of Tesla CEO Elon Musk and send a message to the Trump administration. They are critical of Musk’s decisions including laying off workers, cutting department budgets, making fascist gestures, and dismantling government agencies.

Vicki Mueller Orvera, one of the organizers of the Bay Area Tesla Takedown protests, emphasized that Musk’s actions are undemocratic. She sees Musk as an unelected billionaire wielding power in destructive ways.

The Tesla Takedown movement is described as a decentralized grassroots initiative protesting Tesla’s operations as long as Musk undermines public services. Local organizers are planning demonstrations independently.

Doge cuts allow Musk to cash in with SpaceX and Starlink contracts, ex-workers warn

Chase Musk’s revenue

Orvera urges protestors to take action by boycotting Tesla purchases, selling Tesla stocks, and participating in Tesla Takedown protests.

Despite requests for comment, Musk has not responded to the criticism against him. He has clarified his government efficiency work as improving government operations.

As Tesla Takedown momentum grows, Tesla’s financial performance has suffered. Since Trump took office, Tesla shares have plummeted, impacting Musk’s net worth significantly. Some Tesla owners have sold their cars following controversial statements and actions by Musk.

The protest movement has gained attention from both supporters and critics. Jonathan V Last, editor of Bulwark, has highlighted the impact of Tesla Takedown protests on Musk’s net worth and influence.

Protest movement grows

Tesla Takedown protests originated in February and have expanded to various American cities. Social media has played a significant role in mobilizing participants, with suspected attacks on Tesla showrooms being condemned.

Recent developments have led to the involvement of law enforcement in investigating the vandalism. Tesla Takedown organizers emphasize peaceful protests and distance themselves from any violent actions.

Anti-Tesla sentiment and protest Go global

The anti-Tesla sentiment and protests are not limited to the US but have also spread globally. Cities like New York and Chicago have seen regular Tesla Takedown protests with significant online support.

Organizers are ensuring that the protests remain non-violent and focus on sending a clear message against the actions of Tesla and its CEO. They are calling for widespread participation in upcoming protests across various international locations.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Hollywood video game actors reach breaking point and go on strike in protest: Games

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Hollywood video game performers have voted to go on strike, bringing parts of the entertainment industry back into strike action after new contract negotiations with major game studios collapsed over protections for artificial intelligence.

The walkout, the second by video game voice and motion-capture performers affiliated with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Entertainers (Sag-Aftra), is set to begin on Friday at 12:01 a.m. This move comes after almost two years of negotiations over a new interactive media contract with gaming giants like Activision, Warner Bros., and divisions of The Walt Disney Co.

SAG-AFTRA negotiators state that while video game contracts cover wages and job security, studios are not willing to agree to regulate generative AI. Without safeguards, game companies could train AI to mimic actors’ voices or create digital replicas of their likenesses without their consent or fair compensation, as per the union.

In a prepared statement, union president Fran Drescher mentioned that members will not accept contracts that permit companies to misuse AI.

Company representatives did not immediately respond to email requests for comment.

According to game market forecasters, the global video game industry generates over $100 billion in revenue annually. New Zoo Sag-Aftola emphasized that the individuals who design and bring these games to life are what drives their success.

“Eighteen months of negotiations have shown that our employers are not interested in fair and reasonable AI protections, but rather in exploitative behavior,” stated Sarah Elmaleh, chair of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee.

Last month, a union negotiator informed The Associated Press that game studios had declined to provide the same level of protection from AI risks for all members, especially motion picture performers.

Last year, union members overwhelmingly voted to authorize leadership to strike. Fears about how studios might utilize AI in a strike were intensified by AI. Last year, labor unions staged a four-month strike in the film and television industry.

The final interactive contract, expiring in November 2022, did not include protections for AI but established a bonus compensation structure for voice actors and performance capture artists following an 11-month strike that commenced in October 2016. This strike marked SAG-AFTRA’s first significant labor dispute since the merger of Hollywood’s two major actors unions in 2012.

According to the union, the video game contract covers more than 2,500 “off-camera (voice-over) performers, on-camera (motion capture, stunt) performers, stunt coordinators, singers, dancers, puppeteers, and background performers.”

Amidst tense interactive negotiations, SAG-AFTRA entered into a separate deal in February aimed at indie and low-budget video game projects. The Tiered Budget Independent Interactive Media deal consists of some of the AI protections that have been rejected by larger companies in the video game industry.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Minneapolis drivers successfully protest for wage increase, leading Lyft and Uber to exit city rather than pay fees.

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Uber and Lyft have announced the suspension of their operations in the Minneapolis area in protest of a newly passed minimum wage ordinance by the City Council.

The ordinance, set to take effect on May 1, establishes a minimum wage of $1.40 per mile and 0.51 cents per minute for rideshare drivers, with a minimum wage of $5 per ride. Despite the mayor’s veto being overridden by the City Council, Uber and Lyft have threatened to leave the area in response.


If the companies proceed with their plans to halt operations on May 1, Minneapolis will stand as the only city in the U.S. without Uber or Lyft services.

Advocates for the bill highlight the low wages and high costs faced by rideshare drivers. They assert that wages have decreased, leading to support for the ordinance.

Eid Ali, a veteran rideshare driver and president of the Minnesota Uber Lyft Drivers Association, has been terminated. Uber and Lyft argue that the minimum wage is unsustainable for maintaining affordable fares for riders.

Ali expressed his disbelief in the actions of the multi-billion-dollar companies, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and a living wage for all workers.

Should Uber and Lyft exit the market, Ali believes that other entities are prepared to step in. He believes their fight is not solely about the minimum wage but also about its implications on the broader market.

Farhan Bader, another rideshare driver, highlighted the undervaluation of drivers’ roles in society and argued for fair compensation amid declining pay and increased working hours.

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Efforts are underway by Minnesota lawmakers to introduce a bill preempting Minneapolis regulations to retain Uber and Lyft in the area.

Uber’s senior director of communications, Josh Gold, expressed disappointment in the City Council’s decision and emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure drivers receive fair wages while keeping rideshare affordable.

A Lyft spokesperson also voiced support for state-level preemption and raised concerns about the impact of the minimum wage ordinance on drivers’ income and the accessibility of ridesharing services.

Uber and Lyft’s clash with regulators over wages and working conditions reflects a broader trend seen in the industry both in the U.S. and globally.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump protest ban on TikTok by wearing flip flops

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During his presidency, Donald Trump initially opposed the U.S. ban on TikTok’s Chinese owners but has since shown support for the app.


In a CNBC interview, President Trump acknowledged the popularity of TikTok among young users and stated that it served as a source of entertainment for many. He also criticized Facebook, referring to it as the “enemy of the people.” While still considering TikTok a national security risk, he highlighted similar concerns with other platforms, specifically Meta-owned platforms.

Following the January 6, 2021, riot, Trump faced suspensions and bans from various social media platforms, including Facebook. Despite this, his support for TikTok has resurfaced, contrasting with Joe Biden’s intention to ban the app through Congress.

Should the bill pass, ByteDance would be compelled to sell TikTok to avoid potential bans within the U.S. The company has expressed concerns over the proposed legislation and has urged users to advocate against the ban.

The American Civil Liberties Union has criticized attempts to ban TikTok, citing potential infringements on free speech rights and warning against prioritizing political gains over individual liberties.

Former Trump aide Kellyanne Conway has taken steps to lobby for TikTok, emphasizing the adverse impact of a ban on American users and voters.

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Conway highlighted the inconsistency of prioritizing TikTok over other pressing issues involving China and expressed concerns over potential alienation of American users.

Critics have emphasized the impact of banning TikTok on freedom of expression and innovation, particularly noting the app’s alignment with free market principles.

Despite concerns over TikTok’s security risks, Trump’s recent support for the app aligns with his stance against bans and restrictions on social media platforms.

Meta stock experienced a decline following recent discussions surrounding TikTok and potential regulatory actions.


Source: www.theguardian.com