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AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books

More than a dozen public interest and consumer advocacy groups are urging the Federal Trade Commission to investigate leading artificial intelligence developers for allegedly buying, scanning and destroying books used to train their large language models, a practice the organizations described as “destructive” and anticompetitive. In a letter to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson and Commissioner…

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Netflix dating show featuring cast members with criminal pasts sparks backlash in Japan

Japan’s justice ministry said Friday it will cancel a collaboration with a controversial Netflix dating show featuring ex-juvenile delinquents, following backlash against what some called the glorification of crimes. Earlier this month, the ministry launched an unusual partnership with the streaming giant’s “Badly in Love,” releasing a poster starring its Season 2 cast members, including…

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Iran set to impose even harsher punishment for any contact with foreign media

Iran’s parliament passed a resolution early this week that would increase punishments for Iranians who interact in any way with foreign media outlets, organizations or individuals.  If the legislation is approved by higher authorities as expected, any contact with U.S. media entities, foreign embassies or institutions — whether it takes place inside or outside Iran…

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What’s happening at Big Bend? The fight to protect one of America’s last wild places

Alpine, Texas — Months after Congress approved billions for infrastructure across one of the least-trafficked stretches of the southern border, bulldozers arrived at Big Bend National Park, West Texas’s wild crown jewel.  What followed was an unlikely revolt against President Trump’s decade-old promise to build a wall. Cattle ranchers, environmentalists, sheriffs, Republican senators and country singers…

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