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Internet & Social Media Law Blog

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News of Note for the Internet-Minded (2/21/23) – Chatbots, Robots and Qubits

Today in News of Note, an innovation may pave the way for real-world quantum computing, plus we look at the latest generative AI debuts, how the world is addressing safety concerns with AI in the military, robotic chefs and much more. Scientists, in a pivotal step for quantum computing, unveil…

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Generative AI Faces Familiar Challenges from “Baked In” Algorithmic Bias

Last week, Twitch banned an AI-generated production based on Seinfeld called “Nothing, Forever” from the platform for 14 days after a character named Larry Feinberg—a Jerry Seinfeld clone—made transphobic statements during his standup routine. The show’s creators blamed OpenAI’s Curie model, an older, more rudimentary version, for generating the offensive…

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Hermès’ Trademark Tussle: The Birkin and MetaBirkin Dispute

Hermès is a luxury fashion brand famously known for its iconic Birkin handbag. Since 1986, Hermès has sold over $1 billion worth of these handbags in the United States, including over $100 million worth in the past 10 years. Even the entry-level Birkin bags sell for tens of thousands of…

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From Chatter to ChatGPT: A Once Simple Tool Has Become an Industry Mainstay

Though ChatGPT and the far-reaching consequences of AI-powered chatbots are seizing both imaginations and headlines, many industries have been capitalizing on the use of chatbots for decades. Amid cybersecurity questions and legal discourse, chatbots have gained a stronghold in key business sectors looking to maximize manpower and provide speedy customer…

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News of Note for the Internet-Minded (1/17/23) – AI Bans, Crypto Clamp Downs and Quantum Excitons

In today’s News of Note, we look at a potential boon for Sweden in the race for rare earth metals. We also ponder whether copyrights are solely for humans, or whether AI deserves equal protection for its artistic endeavors, plus the many unexpected applications (and pitfalls) surfacing as AI generators…

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News of Note for the Internet-Minded (1/5/23) – Quantum Leaps, Crypto Dives and AI Applications

In today’s News of Note, we examine how quantum computers are aiding scientific research and forcing governments to upgrade their cybersecurity defense programs, new AI tools and the continued debate on the ethics of their use, the latest cryptocurrency scams, and much more. Materials that promise to make quantum computers…

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The U.S. Copyright Office and USPTO Announce a Joint Study on NFT-Related IP Issues

Yesterday, the U.S. Copyright Office (USCO) and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced a joint study on IP issues related to NFTs. This follows a Congressional request by senators Leahy and Tillis that the Offices explore these issues. Today, the Offices will publish a Notice of Inquiry (unpublished version…

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News of Note for the Internet-Minded (11/8/22) – AI Continues to Demonstrate Its Double-Edged Potential

In today’s News of Note, anxieties continue to grow over AI-generated art, effective cybersecurity for the high-tech era, and the impact of facial recognition and gunshot detection technology on human rights. An AI-generated homage to South Korean illustrator Kim Jung Gi sparks outrage among his fans and the anime community…

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“Primary Function” Test Propels Yet Another Service Provider to Victory in New York Sales Tax Case

An administrative law judge in the New York State Division of Tax Appeals rejected the state’s position that a taxpayer providing a web-based service which allowed clients to identify effective and ineffective messaging through information, analysis and reports was selling taxable software. Following the rationale applied in a series of…

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