Michael B. Jordan celebrated a landmark weekend, even if his football club couldn’t quite follow suit on the pitch. The Hollywood star and co-owner of AFC Bournemouth won the Academy Award for Best Actor on Sunday for his performance as twin brothers Smoke and Stack in the vampire drama Sinners
In an inter-ministerial briefing, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas's Joint Secretary, Marketing and Oil Refinery, Sujata Sharma, said that fuel pumps supplying CNG and household PNG connections are operating normally. New Delhi: The supply of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural
Jannik Sinner produced a masterclass to defeat Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4) and capture his first title of the season at the Indian Wells Masters, while also carving his name into the record books. The victory not only delivered the 25th tour-level title of Sinner’s career
Liverpool have been here far too often this season. Another late, late goal costing them points. This time to Richarlison in a 1-1 draw against struggling Tottenham that cost them a chance to go fourth in the table. And don't the players - who were booed off by their fans at full-time - know it
The Oscars are usually packed with glamorous red carpet looks and emotional award wins but sometimes it’s the tiny, unexpected moments that steal the internet’s attention. At the 98th Academy Awards, a brief interaction between Kylie Jenner and Pauline Chalamet, the sister of Timothée Chalamet
Creative industries 'incredibly worried' about OpenAI-Disney deal
Creative industries 'incredibly worried' about OpenAI-Disney deal
A union representing workers in the creative industries says there is "real concern" among its members about a $1bn (£740m) deal which will see Disney characters brought to ChatGPT and video-generation tool Sora.
It is the first major studio to license parts of its catalogue to OpenAI, which makes the tools.
Fans will be able to generate and share pictures and videos of more than 200 characters from Disney's franchises, including Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.
"Everyone in the entertainment industry, especially all the creative talent, are incredibly worried about what the implications are," said Sag-Aftra executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
He said the two companies had contacted the union - which represents 170,000 media professionals worldwide - to say the agreement specifically rules out the use of the image, likeness or voice of human performers.
But he said it was still a worrying development.
"There's real concern because nobody wants to see human creativity given away to AI models," he told BBC News.
The move comes as OpenAI faces mounting questions about how its rapidly advancing tech is used - and as anxiety in Hollywood increases over the impact of AI on the creative industries.
According to a blog post announcing the news, the list of eligible characters include those from Disney films Zootopia, Moana and Encanto - as well as characters like Star Wars' Luke Skywalker and Marvel's Deadpool.
It, of course, also includes Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
But quite how the characters will sound remains unclear, as Disney said the agreement "does not include any talent likenesses or voices".
"The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry," Disney boss Bob Iger said.
Through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling.
People are expected to be able to begin making the videos and images in Sora and ChatGPT in early 2026.
The deal comes amid reports Disney lawyers sent Google a cease-and-desist letter on Wednesday accusing the tech firm of infringing its copyrights "on a massive scale".
The BBC has asked Google for a response.
Joel Smith, intellectual property partner at law firm Simmons & Simmons, said Disney's OpenAI deal showed "rights owners and major AI developers are moving fast to strike collaborative licensing deals to access content for training and future use".
Equity, the entertainment trade union, says actors' rights need to be protected. The group is currently balloting thousands of performers asking if they are willing to refuse being digitally scanned on set to push for stronger AI safeguards.
Cathy Sweet, Equity's head of TV and Film, said the deal between Disney and OpenAI reinforced "exactly why our members are fighting for AI protections".
"The recorded material that will be sold on as part of this eye-watering big money deal are the result of creatives' professional work, and their rights must be protected," she said.
Sora's hyper-realistic videos have proven to be popular in the US, but there have been significant criticisms from those claiming it has also led to some people creating offensive deepfakes of dead public figures.
In October, OpenAI paused the video tool's ability to generate images of Dr Martin Luther King Jr after the app produced "disrespectful" depictions of the civil rights leader.
The firm acknowledged the need for stronger safeguards after clips emerged showing him saying offensive things, prompting a public outcry.
Other similar videos of President John F. Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II and physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking also circulated widely.
In some cases, family members called on OpenAI to stop allowing videos to be made.
Zelda Williams, daughter of the late comedian Robin Williams, urged people to stop sending her AI-generated videos of her father.
In November, Warner Music Group announced plans to launch an AI music venture with technology start-up Suno, a year after it sued the firm in a landmark case.
Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world's top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Pakistani kabaddi player banned indefinitely for representing an Indian team in private tournament Man representing himself against charges of trying to kill Trump to give closing argument Boeing Blasts Union Offer After Striking Workers Approved Terms Gig workers union president demands removal of 10-minute delivery option ahead of workers Reliance Industries Says Battery Manufacturing Plans Are On Track Pankaj Tripathi says OTT platforms are limiting creative freedom on sets Elon Musk Says European Union India urgently requires practical skilling ecosystem to excel in high precision industries Reliance Industries New mining project will bring more industries into Indigenous Sami land
IIT grad who moved from Bengaluru to Ireland reveals ₹1.3 crore salary: 'My quality of life has improved'A 27-year-old Amazon techie who moved from Bengaluru to Dublin says his quality of life has improved despite the city’s high cost of living. Updated on: Mar 16
5 hours ago
Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission in the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, along with First Secretary Vipul Bawa, held a virtual interaction with Principals of CBSE-affiliated schools across Saudi Arabia. They addressed queries regarding the CBSE board examinations and briefed them on the current
5 hours ago
West Bengal's polls are scheduled for 23rd and 29th April 2026 in two phases, with results on May 4, pitting the BJP against the ruling Trinamool Congress in a high-stakes battle. The Bhartiya Janata Party has announced the first list of 144 candidates for the West Bengal legislative assembly
5 hours ago
Leading automobile manufacturer Tata Motors on Monday announced a price increase of up to 1.5 per cent across its commercial vehicle (CV) range, effective from April 1. New Delhi: Leading automobile manufacturer Tata Motors on Monday announced a price increase of up to 1
5 hours ago
With the assembly elections on the horizon, the Election Commission has taken decisive action by relocating five Senior Superintendents of Police in Assam. This move, effective immediately, targets key districts including Majuli, South Salmara, Sadiya, Chirang, and Dhemaji
5 hours ago
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday told the Delhi High Court that an order discharging all 23 accused persons, including Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, from the liquor policy case should not remain on record “even for a second more than what is necessary”, Live Law reported
5 hours ago
India recently stamped their authority in T20Is by retaining the World Cup title they won in 2024. Under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, India outclassed New Zealand in the final to win a record third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and became the first team to defend the crown
5 hours ago
Farah Khan says she wants Faisal Shaikh to win the finale of The 50: ‘Sabse achche se khela hai’The top 4 finalists for The 50 are Shiv Thakare, Rajat Dalal, Faisal Shaikh (Mr. Faisu), and Immortal Kaka. The grand finale will air on March 22. Mar 16, 2026
5 hours ago
The Supreme Court on Monday (March 16, 2026) quashed criminal proceedings against Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad for his social media posts on ‘Operation Sindoor’ after the Haryana Government informed that it has refused sanction for his prosecution
5 hours ago
Tanzid Hasan’s maiden ODI century and Taskin Ahmed’s four wickets helped Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 11 runs to clinch the ODI series 2–1. Bangladesh clinched a thrilling ODI series victory over Pakistan after edging the visitors by 11 runs in the third ODI in Mirpur
5 hours ago
NMDC’s iron ore production has touched 50 million tonnes and with a fortnight to go for FY 26 the State-owned miner is set to add more to what is already a new record output in a fiscal year. It is a significant milestone that comes days ahead of the close of FY 26, the public sector miner said
5 hours ago
Bengaluru cafe charges 5% 'gas crisis' fee on lemonade bill amid LPG shortage, internet reactsA Bengaluru cafe bill showing a 5% “Gas Crisis Charge” on two lemonades has gone viral online, sparking discussion over additional restaurant fees. Updated on: Mar 16
5 hours ago
Aman Gottumukkala Education: The tool works with popular coding platforms such as Android Studio and JetBrains IDEs, helping programmers write and manage their code more easily. Aman Gottumukkala Education: The race to hire top AI talent is heating up
5 hours ago
The phrase “no quarter” has come under scrutiny after remarks by Pete Hegseth, the United States Secretary of Defence, who said during a Pentagon briefing that the United States would continue military operations with “no quarter, no mercy for our enemies” while referring to strikes against
5 hours ago
The ongoing Iran war could severely impact Gulf economies if it continues, with Qatar and Kuwait potentially seeing GDP contract by about 14% if the Strait of Hormuz remains shut for two months, according to Goldman Sachs. That would mark their worst economic downturn since the early 1990s Gulf War
5 hours ago
Abhishek Sharma revealed that 3 Idiots, starring Aamir Khan, is his favourite film during a rapid-fire session at a Board of Control for Cricket in India felicitation event in New Delhi. New Delhi: 3 Idiots, starring Aamir Khan as the iconic Rancho
5 hours ago
Sinner’s Indian Wells conquest fuels ‘Sincaraz’ dominance: He and Alcaraz have lost just one event together since 2024 Published on: Mar 16, 2026 5:49 PM IST Written by Aratrick Mondal Share via Copy link Jannik Sinner won the Indian Wells 2026 title Alcaraz and Sinner have not only split the
5 hours ago
In recent years, motorcycles have evolved from simple commuting machines to lifestyle products that reflect personality and riding style. One bike that perfectly fits in a simple commuting and lifestyle vehicle – is the Royal Enfield Hunter 350
5 hours ago
Inside the premium washroom aboard Palace on Wheels. Watch videoLet’s take a look inside one of the premium washrooms on India’s luxury train, the Palace on Wheels. Updated on: Mar 16, 2026 5:03 PM IST By Anukriti Srivastava Share via Copy link While most trains in India are targeted for its
5 hours ago
In a significant administrative shakeup ahead of the upcoming elections, the West Bengal government has executed a transfer of senior Indian Police Service officers. This decision came in light of an Election Commission directive that resulted in the removal of DGP Peeyush Pandey and Kolkata Police
5 hours ago
Myanmar's Parliament convened on Monday (March 16, 2026) for the first time since a coup five years ago, in one of the final steps in a nominal return to democracy where its powerful military retains tight control. The gathering of the new Parliament comes after a recent phased election
5 hours ago
The eclipse portal is finally closing: How the New Moon and Aries season will reset your zodiac sign this weekA Pisces New Moon, Mercury turning direct, and the start of Aries season make this week a major turning point in the cosmos and for every zodiac sign Published on: Mar 16
5 hours ago
Mohammad Amir compares Pakistan youngster Maaz Sadaqat to India’s Abhishek Sharma after his stunning 75 and three wickets against Bangladesh. Pakistan may have found its next explosive left-handed batter. Former pacer Mohammad Amir believes 20-year-old Maaz Sadaqat has the potential to become
5 hours ago
Asian Football Confederation says Iran still set to play at FIFA World Cup 2026 Published on: Mar 16, 2026 4:36 PM IST AP Share via Copy link President of Iran Football Federation Mehdi Taj and Mayor of Tehran Alireza Zakani stand next to the FIFA World Cup Trophy during an unveiling ceremony in
5 hours ago
Kanye West's first India concert postponed by 2 months amid US-Iran conflict. Check out new date, details about ticketsThe organisers of Kanye West's concert have cited the current geopolitical climate as the reason for the delay. Mar 16, 2026
5 hours ago
Gastroenterologist shares delicious, gut-friendly blueberry chia pudding breakfast recipe packed with antioxidantsIf you were looking for gut-friendly breakfast options that also taste great, we found a blueberry chia pudding that's actually worth getting out of bed for! Published on: Mar 16
5 hours ago
The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) is expected to declare the RBSE Class 10 and 12 Result 2026 soon. As per media reports, the results could be announced by March. Once announced, students will be able to check their RBSE 10th
5 hours ago
