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Iran deploys AI-generated memes and deepfakes to influence US public opinion in information war

Iran has launched a sophisticated online information warfare strategy using AI-generated content to shape US public opinion on the Middle East conflict. Within 24 hours of strikes, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated accounts posted propaganda reaching millions, including deepfakes and memes referencing Western pop culture like LEGO and Teletubbies.

2 Sources

Yesterday

AI Dividend program launches $1,000 monthly payments for workers displaced by AI

The AI Dividend program has begun issuing $1,000 monthly basic income payments to workers impacted by AI job displacement. Run by nonprofits AI Commons Project and What We Will, the initiative currently supports 25-50 recipients with $300,000 in initial funding, aiming to distribute $3 million by 2026.

2 Sources

Colleges revive oral exams to combat generative AI as students submit perfect work but can't explain it

Universities across the U.S. are bringing back Ancient Greek-style oral exams as professors notice a troubling pattern: students submit flawless AI-generated assignments but struggle to explain their work. From Cornell to NYU, educators are combining traditional Socratic methods with AI-powered assessments to verify genuine learning and address declining critical thinking skills.

2 Sources

AI Writing Sparks Ethics Crisis as Publishers Struggle to Distinguish Human from Machine Text

Major publications face mounting scrutiny over undisclosed AI use after The New York Times and Hachette were caught in AI-generated content controversies. Detection tools prove unreliable, leading to false accusations against human writers while the publishing industry grapples with eroding trust and disclosure standards.

5 Sources

AI Fruit Videos Dominate Social Media as Fruit Love Island Draws Millions of Viewers

Fruit Love Island, an AI-generated reality dating show featuring anthropomorphic fruit characters, has amassed over 3.3 million TikTok followers in just 10 days. The viral AI show and similar AI fruit videos have sparked intense debate about generative AI content quality, human creativity, and troubling narrative patterns that include violence against female fruit characters.

3 Sources

23 Mar 2026

OpenArt launches AI influencer awards with $90,000 prize pool for virtual creators

OpenArt and Fanvue have launched the AI Personality of the Year 2026, a four-week global competition offering over $90,000 in prizes. Creators can design and launch original AI influencers across five categories, competing for cash prizes, promotional support, and platform placement. The challenge runs through April 19, with judging by industry veterans including the creators of Aitana Lopez and Shudu.

2 Sources

Ex-Blizzard Boss Mike Ybarra Says AI Will Be in Every Video Game, Tells Devs to 'Man Up'

Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra sparked backlash after telling Crimson Desert developer Pearl Abyss not to apologize for AI-generated assets. He claims AI will be in every video game and criticized developers for bending to critics. The gaming community and industry professionals pushed back against his stance.

5 Sources

20 Mar 2026

Crimson Desert developer Pearl Abyss apologizes for AI art, promises comprehensive audit

Pearl Abyss admitted that AI-generated art slipped into Crimson Desert's final release, despite plans to replace placeholder assets. The developer issued an apology for the unintentional inclusion and lack of transparency, announcing a comprehensive audit to identify and remove all AI content in upcoming patches.

19 Sources

9 out of 10 Game Developers Demand Stricter AI Disclosure Rules on Steam, Challenging Epic CEO

A major GamesIndustry.biz survey of 826 video game industry workers reveals that 88.4% believe generative AI use should be disclosed on game storefronts like Steam. The findings directly challenge Epic CEO Tim Sweeney's stance that such disclosures 'make no sense.' Despite Valve's current disclosure policy focusing only on player-consumed content, nearly half of developers want stricter requirements.

2 Sources

Hachette Cancels Horror Novel Shy Girl After AI Allegations Rock Publishing Industry

Hachette Book Group pulled Mia Ballard's horror novel Shy Girl from publication after evidence suggested AI was used to write significant portions of the book. The cancellation marks the first time a major publisher has publicly withdrawn an existing title over AI concerns, sending shockwaves through the publishing industry as it grapples with detecting and preventing AI-generated content.

10 Sources

Luke Littler moves to trademark his face to combat AI fakes and protect commercial interests

The 19-year-old darts world champion has applied to the Intellectual Property Office to trademark his face, aiming to prevent unauthorized use of his image through generative AI and fake products. Littler joins celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Cole Palmer in protecting their likeness as AI-generated deepfakes surge across entertainment and sports.

3 Sources

The Wheel of Time animated revival sparks fan outrage over potential AI use in production

The Wheel of Time is returning as an animated TV series, but fans are expressing serious concern over iwot Studios' partnerships with AI-focused companies. After Prime Video cancelled the live-action adaptation in 2025, the new projects—including animated films and a video game—could rely on AI technology, raising fears of what fans call 'AI slop' and 'franchisation and sloppification' of Robert Jordan's beloved fantasy series.

2 Sources

AI hallucinations worry users more than job losses, massive Anthropic study reveals

An Anthropic study spanning 80,000 users across 159 countries found that AI hallucinations are the top concern, surpassing fears of job displacement. The research reveals a complex relationship where users value AI for productivity but worry about cognitive decline and loss of critical thinking abilities.

5 Sources

Dancing robot smashes dishes at Haidilao restaurant, raising questions about robot safety

A dancing robot went wild at Haidilao's Cupertino location, knocking over dishes and utensils as three servers struggled to restrain it. The incident highlights growing concerns about kill switches for robots and safety protocols as restaurants increasingly adopt AI and robotics for entertainment and service.

2 Sources

19 Mar 2026

Over Half of U.S. Teens Use AI Nudification Tools to Create Sexualized Images, Study Reveals

A George Mason University study found that 55% of surveyed U.S. teens have used AI to create fake nude images, with more than a third reporting non-consensual image creation. The research reveals AI nudification has become normalized among adolescents, raising urgent questions about consent and privacy in the age of AI-powered tools.

3 Sources

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