SAG-AFTRA union secures AI protections for artists in deal with major record labels

 Hollywood performers and media professionals have reached a tentative deal with major record labels such as Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment that includes increases in minimum salaries and protections against the use of AI.

The deal covers the five-year period from 2021 to 2026 and has been unanimously approved by the executive committee of SAG-AFTRA, which represents roughly 160,000 actors and other media professionals, the union said in a statement on its website.

AI has emerged as a big concern in the entertainment industry and the issue was at the center of talks between SAG-AFTRA and major studios last year, which finally culminated in a contract in November after a months-long strike.

The music industry is especially grappling with songs created by generative AI — a technology that makes it easy for internet users to mimic artists' voices, often without their consent.

The SAG-AFTRA union said the tentative deal with the record labels requires both consent and compensation before a song is released that uses a digital replica of an artist's voice.

It added the terms "artist", "singer" and "royalty artist" could only refer to humans under the agreement.

"This agreement ensures that our members are protected. While technology can enhance the creative process, the essence of music must always be rooted in genuine human expression and experience," said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator.

Other highlights of the agreement include improvements in health and retirement options and an increase in the percentage of streaming revenue to be covered by contributions.

A final ratification vote by members is expected to take place in the next few weeks.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sag-aftra-union-secures-ai-225228680.html

'Passengers at international airports in U.S. can enroll in ‘Global Entry’ program on the spot'

 U.S. Customs and Border Protection is offering “Enrollment upon Arrival” at many airports such as San Diego International Airport for its Global Entry program.

The program allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving on international flights to skip CBP inspection lines.

All that is needed for conditional approval into the program is a valid passport, driver’s license and a document that shows residency in the United States such as a utility or credit card bill.

Once a traveler is conditionally approved, a future interview is no longer required. The traveler can complete the enrollment interview when arriving on an international flight. 

Sample of a Global Entry card. (Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

CBP officers at airports, such as San Diego International, will interview and collect the traveler’s biometrics to complete the enrollment. This can be accomplished after clearing CBP processing.

As an added benefit, according to CBP, Global Entry members are also eligible to participate in the TSA Pre✓™ expedited screening program, which allows travelers the use of special lanes that don’t require shoe removal and other requisites when going through TSA screening for both international and domestic flights.

Cost to enroll in the program is $100 and is good for five years.

https://thehill.com/regulation/transportation/4591140-passengers-at-international-airports-global-entry-program/

Container Ship Hijacked Near Strait Of Hormuz Amid Soaring Iran Tensions

 While Israel on Friday braced for cruise missile and suicide drone attacks, there are new reports on Saturday morning that Iranian commandos hijacked an Israeli-affiliated container ship heading towards the Strait of Hormuz. 

AP News says the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations initially reported the hijacking of Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, a container ship linked to London-based Zodiac Maritime. Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer controls the international ship management company that owns and charters large vessels. 

Video of the boarding has been circulating X for the past hour. However, "AP could not immediately verify the video, it corresponded to known details of the boarding, and the helicopter involved appeared to be one used by Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which has carried out other ship raids in the past," the media outlet said. 

According to Bloomberg data, MSC Aries was leaving a port from Dubai on Thursday and heading towards the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel's last known position was recorded around 1256 local time on Friday off Dubai's coast. AP noted that the ship's transponder had been switched off. 

X user Megatron called the ship's seizure by Iran a "big game changer": 

This once again is confirming that the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar are helping Israel bypass the Houthi blockade by land route from the UAE port.

Iran is now cutting that route as well. 

If Hezbollah cut the Mediterranean route with its drones, Israel could fall into a complete trade blockade.

The incident in the Strait of Hormuz is very concerning since maritime chokepoints in the region are plagued with conflict. Off of Yemen, in the Bab-El Mandeb Strait, Iran-backed Houthis have unleashed multi-month drone and missile attacks against US, UK, and Israeli vessels. 

In a recent note to clients, the global corporate & investment banking capital markets strategy team at MUFG Bank warned the key theme for 2024 would be "Higher friction geopolitics." 

Focusing on the Middle East, MUFG's Tom Joyce showed how 25% of global trade flows through three chokepoints: Suez Canal, Bab-El Mandeb Strait, and Strait of Hormuz. The latest incident is very concerning for global trade and flow of goods, such as energy products, through the region. 

This all comes as Israel is bracing for drone and missile attacks by Iran or its proxies as warnings flashed on Friday about retaliation for the killing last week of senior Iranian military officials at the country's embassy in Damascus. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/middle-east-crisis-container-ship-hijacked-near-strait-hormuz-amid-soaring-iran