Tag Archives: representation

OpenAI Loses Key Discovery Battle as It Cedes Ground to Authors in AI Lawsuits

Posted on by
Reply

OpenAI has lost a key discovery battle over internal communications related to the startup deleting two huge datasets of pirated books, a development that further tilts the scales in favor of authors suing the company. To rewind, authors and publishers have gained access to Slack messages between OpenAI’s employees discussing the erasure of the datasets, named “books 1 and books2.” But the court held off on whether plaintiffs should get other communications that the company argued were protected by attorney-client privilege. In a controversial decision that was appealed by OpenAI on Wednesday, U. S. District Judge Ona Wang found that OpenAI must hand over documents revealing the company’s motivations for deleting the datasets. OpenAI’s in-house legal team will be deposed. At stake: Billions of dollars and, potentially, OpenAI’s defense in the case. The communications could help prove what’s known as “willful” infringement, which triggers significantly higher damages of $150,000 per work. And if it’s found that the company destroyed the evidence with potential litigation in mind, the court could direct juries in later trials to assume it would’ve been unfavorable for OpenAI. The discovery ruling bolsters what’s increasingly looking like a winning argument over the practice of pirating books from shadow libraries. That theory has changed over the course of AI litigation. At first, lawyers for the authors directly connected the piracy to OpenAI’s training of its models under a single umbrella. But later, they separated the theories and alleged that the distinct act of illegally downloading the works, regardless of whether they were used, constitutes 5 billion to settle the lawsuit. Last year, a lawyer for OpenAI said that the “books 1” and “books 2” datasets weren’t being used for training purposes and that they were deleted in 2022 “due to their non-use.” Counsel representing authors and publishers called foul play. The issue has been a major battleground in discovery. At first, OpenAI claimed attorney-client privilege but later said that it would turn over some information. Then, it moved to withdraw its representation that the datasets were deleted due to nonuse and said that all evidence on the erasure is privileged. In the ruling, the court found that most of the communications aren’t shielded from discovery. This includes Slack messages between OpenAI employees in a channels called “project-clear” and “excise-libgen,” where they discussed deleting the datasets. “OpenAI has waived privilege by making a moving target of its privilege assertions,” Wang wrote. She added, “OpenAI has gone back-and-forth on whether ‘non-use’ as a ‘reason’ for the deletion of Books1 and Books2 is privileged at all. OpenAI cannot state a ‘reason’ (which implies it is not privileged) and then later assert that the ‘reason’ is privileged to avoid discovery.” The upshot in OpenAI’s messy legal maneuvering: The company effectively opened the door to the privileged material when it disclosed a reason for the deletion of the dataset. To stave off a finding of “willful” infringement, it’ll have to show a good faith belief in the innocence of its action. The company faces an uphill battle on that issue, with the court stressing a “fundamental conflict” in circumstances when a defendant blocks discovery into communications over its state of mind by asserting attorney-client privilege. OpenAI continues to maintain that it didn’t willfully infringe on any copyrighted material. On Wednesday, it moved to pause enforcement of discovery obligations.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/openai-loses-key-discovery-battle-why-deleted-library-of-pirated-books-1236436363/

LA Mayor Karen Bass Sparks Outrage With Claim of First Palisades Fire Rebuild

Posted on by
Reply

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism after highlighting what she described as the “first Palisades fire rebuild,” a designation residents say is inaccurate, as reported by The Gateway Pundit. Bass visited the Pacific Palisades to promote the completion of a home she presented as an early sign of recovery after last year’s wildfire, which destroyed thousands of structures across the area. Local residents and property records indicate the showcased home was not a fire-loss rebuild but a pre-planned developer project already underway long before the fire. According to reporting from the New York Post, the property on Kagawa Street had been purchased in early November 2024. The owner secured a demolition permit on January 7, hours before the Palisades Fire intensified and destroyed 6, 831 structures, including the original structure on the property. The teardown and construction had been scheduled well before the blaze. After debris removal, inspections, and the city’s routine permitting steps, the new construction cleared final approval in April. The house passed its last inspection on Friday, after which City Hall promoted it as the first official rebuild in the Palisades, despite its unrelated development timeline. This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year The Post described reactions from locals who argue the mayor’s presentation of the home as a symbol of post-fire recovery is misleading. Residents noted that the project was not representative of the families who lost homes during the wildfire and have yet to see meaningful rebuilding progress. The New York Post headline stated: “LA Mayor Karen Bass called out for ‘phony’ Palisades rebuild after devastating wildfire.” The report detailed concerns among residents who felt the city failed to verify whether the project was connected to the fire at all. Property data confirms the reconstruction work had been initiated prior to the disaster and did not result from a fire-loss claim. The original home was already slated for demolition as part of a routine redevelopment project. The Los Angeles Times also circulated a social media post covering the event. Critics argued the coverage left out key details regarding the home’s history, furthering confusion about whether the structure was an authentic representation of fire recovery efforts. It has been more than ten months since the fires, during which thousands of families have awaited rebuilding progress. According to local accounts, the city and state have yet to deliver visible, widespread reconstruction efforts in the affected neighborhoods. The project presented by Mayor Bass as a milestone for recovery demonstrates no link to the wildfire destruction and highlights ongoing frustration among residents who expected a more accurate accounting of reconstruction developments.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/la-mayor-karen-bass-sparks-outrage-with-claim-of-first-palisades-fire-rebuild/

Adams administration throws support behind 16-year-old Bronx student detained by ICE

Posted on by
Reply

Mayor Eric Adams is standing behind a 16-year-old Bronx high schooler, Joel Camas, who was recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The city has formally filed legal papers supporting Camas’s lawsuit aimed at halting his deportation.

Camas was arrested during a routine immigration check on October 23 and now faces deportation to Ecuador. He originally fled Ecuador in 2022 to escape threats from violent gangs, according to documents submitted in Manhattan federal court.

The Adams administration argues that Camas, as a teenage public school student, should have the right to “access city schools and services while their immigration issues are being resolved.” This stance was detailed in a brief filed Monday in support of the teen.

In a statement, Mayor Adams described Camas as “a hard-working student, dedicated to his school work and future, who followed the proper immigration process.” He added, “We are proud to support his petition for justice, just like we have done with the many other New York City Public School students who have been detained during routine immigration proceedings.”

Since his arrest, Camas has been held at an Office of Refugee Resettlement youth shelter in The Bronx, according to news outlet THE CITY.

The city further argues that Camas poses no flight or safety risk, making detention unnecessary. Muriel Goode-Trufant, the city’s top attorney, stated, “The Trump administration has not met the very high bar for detaining this minor student who is better served remaining in the community with his family.”

However, federal authorities remain determined to deport Camas. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District, Jay Clayton, also requested the judge to keep Camas detained pending his trial, emphasizing the government’s intention to reunite him with his mother in Ecuador.

Camas arrived from Ecuador in December 2022 with his mother, who self-deported earlier this year. She entrusted Joel to relatives in hopes he could build a better life. According to Camas’s lawsuit, both have had orders of removal against them since losing their asylum case in 2024—an appearance they made without legal representation.

Currently a junior at Gotham Collaborative High School in The Bronx, Camas maintains a perfect attendance record, as noted in the city’s supportive amicus brief. His teachers have described him as a “committed” student who is so motivated to learn English that “he refuses materials in his native language,” the filing states.

The city’s backing of Joel Camas highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrant students and the importance of access to education and services during immigration proceedings. Mayor Adams’s administration continues to champion these causes as part of its broader commitment to supporting New York City’s immigrant communities.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/11/us-news/city-throws-support-behind-bronx-student-detained-by-ice/

Rand Paul Says Supreme Court Should STRIKE DOWN Trump’s Tariffs: ” Tariffs Are a Tax. I Want to See the Constitution Have Meaning”

Posted on by
Reply

During an appearance on *Varney & Co.*, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) expressed his belief that the Supreme Court should strike down President Trump’s authority to impose tariffs on foreign imports, arguing that such tariffs violate the Constitution.

Paul explained that the Founding Fathers intended for the power of taxation to rest solely with the House of Representatives.

**Stuart Varney:** Now, since we know you’re not a fan of tariffs, do you want to see them struck down by the Supreme Court?

**Rand Paul:** I want to see the Constitution have meaning. The Constitution said that taxes originate in the House. Tariffs are a tax. Anybody who tries to say tariffs are not a tax—just not serious people.

Our Founding Fathers wanted taxes to start in the House because the House is elected every two years, making it the branch closest to the people. They were very, very specific about this, especially since we fought the Revolution over taxation without representation.

A President cannot levy taxes without the approval of Congress. I think the Supreme Court is going to strike this down, and it’s not from any personal vendetta against the President. I like the President. I wish him and our country success. But we have to do things in an orderly, constitutional manner, or it can lead to chaos.

—

Meanwhile, President Trump has cautioned that a Supreme Court ruling against his authority to levy tariffs could cause devastating economic harm to the United States.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump said that overturning the tariffs would require the U.S. government to refund massive sums collected under his administration’s trade reforms.

Trump emphasized that the tariffs were part of a larger strategy to rebalance trade relationships and secure fairer deals for American workers.

**Reporter:** Before the Supreme Court issues a ruling, which could take several weeks, are you planning to lay out any new additional tariffs?

**Trump:** I don’t want to talk about it. I’m going to hope that we win. I can’t imagine that anybody would do that kind of devastation to our country. You know, we’d have to pay back trillions of dollars. We’ve taken in trillions. We haven’t taken in billions; we’ve taken in trillions of dollars.

We’ve made trade deals based on that revenue that give us, as an example, the European Union $950 billion, Japan $650 billion, and South Korea $350 billion. Without this, we’re not talking about that kind of money. And they’re okay. They’re satisfied. They love us. I just left. They all love us.

So, it’s not like we’re such bad people, but they were doing it to us until I came along.

—

At the heart of the case is whether the President can use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to impose tariffs unilaterally after declaring a national emergency to reduce the U.S. trade deficit.

In May, the Court of International Trade in New York ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority under IEEPA.

The Department of Justice immediately appealed, but in August, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld the lower court’s decision.

Now, the case heads to the Supreme Court, which will decide whether the President of the United States can exercise broad executive powers to impose tariffs during a declared national emergency.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/11/senator-rand-paul-says-supreme-court-should-strike/

Japan Patent Office Rejects Key Patent Application In Nintendo’s ‘Palworld’ Lawsuit

Posted on by
Reply

**Nintendo and Pokémon Company’s Lawsuit Against Palworld Developer Still Ongoing Amid Patent Disputes**

The ongoing lawsuit in Japan between Nintendo and The Pokémon Company against PocketPair, the makers of the hit game *Palworld*, continues to draw attention. As previously reported, this legal battle centers around several patents related to gameplay mechanics, with significant developments unfolding recently.

One key patent in focus is patent 2024-123560 (JP7545191), which branches off from another granted patent currently being used in court. This isn’t merely a peripheral filing; it’s situated directly between two patents central to the litigation. Such positioning means the fate of this patent could have a notable impact on the overall case.

According to reports from GamesFray, the “sibling-parent” relationship within this patent family makes the rejection of patent 2024-031879 particularly significant. The same reasoning—specifically, a lack of inventive step or obviousness based on prior art—that led to this rejection could apply equally to the related Nintendo patents involved in the lawsuit.

Windows Central highlights that the Japan Patent Office’s (JPO) logic in rejecting this specific patent can potentially undermine the two granted patents Nintendo is relying on for their infringement claims. When combined with the prior art used in the rejection, this offers PocketPair a strong defense against accusations of patent infringement and raises the possibility of invalidating Nintendo’s existing patents.

This development challenges Nintendo’s assertion that its patents protect truly original gameplay ideas. When Japan’s own patent authority contests that originality, Nintendo’s argument loses significant credibility. Furthermore, the ruling adds pressure on Nintendo’s third patent involved in the suit, which, according to earlier reports, has already undergone modifications mid-litigation—a clear sign that Nintendo may be feeling the strain.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether Nintendo will attempt to amend its patents or appeal the JPO’s decision. Given Nintendo’s determined stance throughout this lawsuit, an appeal or amendment seems likely.

However, this situation raises a broader question for Nintendo: is persisting with this legal battle truly worthwhile? *Palworld* continues to thrive, and there’s no clear evidence that the Pokémon franchise has suffered any loss of revenue or value as a result. Beyond Nintendo digging in its heels and refusing to back down, it’s unclear what tangible benefits this lawsuit is achieving.

We’ll be following this case closely as it unfolds. Stay tuned for updates on how these patent disputes influence the future of both *Palworld* and Nintendo’s legal strategy.
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/11/03/japan-patent-office-rejects-key-patent-application-in-nintendos-palworld-lawsuit/

12 Most Liberal Countries (Only 3 Aren’t in Europe)

Posted on by
Reply

Some countries lean so far into liberal values that these principles shape everything from healthcare systems to who gets a say in government. When we talk about the most liberal nations, we mean places where civil liberties, social progress, and personal freedoms aren’t just ideals—they’re built into daily life.

Let’s explore the countries where liberalism has the loudest voice, embracing everything from gender equality and universal healthcare to environmental stewardship and inclusive governance.

### Sweden

Sweden consistently ranks as one of the most liberal countries in the world. Its commitment to gender equality, universal healthcare, and free higher education places liberal values at the center of society. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2009 and offers 480 days of paid parental leave per child, split between both parents.

Sweden excels in environmental protection and maintains one of the world’s most comprehensive welfare systems. It also boasts some of the best immigrant integration policies globally. Its liberal ethos runs so deep that even major right-leaning parties pledge to preserve Sweden’s robust welfare state. With a focus on civil rights and individual freedoms, Sweden offers a model of modern democratic governance.

### Norway

Norway blends oil wealth with progressive governance. Like its Nordic neighbors, it provides universal healthcare, free higher education, and generous family benefits. Civil liberties and political power are distributed evenly through a proportional representation system that ensures fair elections.

Norwegian society values individual freedom alongside cultural cohesion. The country invests heavily in essential health services and takes a proactive stance on climate change. Norway’s democracy fosters respect for race, gender, and religion both in law and daily life.

### The Netherlands

The Netherlands often leads the world on social issues. It was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. Dutch society prioritizes individual freedoms, including the right to die, soft drug decriminalization, and access to comprehensive sex education.

The nation places a strong emphasis on civil liberties, freedom of expression, and citizen participation in shaping society. The Netherlands continues to set an example for balancing law with personal freedom. Universal healthcare and subsidized higher education further support a strong sense of equality.

### Canada

Canada’s liberalism is deeply embedded in its Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, expression, and civil rights. Universal healthcare, multiculturalism, and protections for marginalized groups are hallmarks of its national identity.

While Canadian provinces hold considerable power, liberal values remain consistent across the country. Canada actively addresses climate change and gender equity through public policy. Its open-door immigration system and high-quality essential health services demonstrate how democratic nations can prioritize human rights.

### Denmark

Denmark is known for prioritizing work-life balance, supported by government policies such as parental leave and flexible labor laws. The Danish legal system emphasizes fairness and justice, and the government ranks among the least corrupt globally.

Climate change is taken seriously, with ambitions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Denmark’s strong economy, cultural cohesion, and trust in government help sustain individual freedoms and societal equality.

### Finland

Finland invests heavily in education, equality, and environmental protection. The government promotes individual freedoms while ensuring cultural and legal respect for minorities. The country boasts one of the best school systems worldwide and offers robust support for working families.

Gender equality is almost a national sport in Finland, with women making up nearly half of Parliament. Civil liberties and freedom of expression are well protected. Finland consistently ranks high on global happiness and quality-of-life indexes, indicators closely tied to liberal governance.

### Germany

Germany’s modern liberal roots were shaped after World War II. Today, it stands as a leader in the European Union and a staunch defender of civil rights and democracy. Its Basic Law enshrines human dignity and freedom above all else.

Germany balances a strong economy with social protections. Healthcare is universal, higher education is free, and civil liberties are honored across the political spectrum. The country leads in accepting immigrants and promoting integration, and its legal system reflects a strong sense of justice and responsibility by protecting against violence and discrimination.

### Australia

Australia blends British legal traditions with a distinctly liberal approach to social issues. Universal healthcare, marriage equality, and environmental protections all form part of the modern Australian identity.

The political system supports fair elections and representative democracy. While debates about Indigenous rights continue, Australia actively reckons with its past in ways that reflect liberal values. Its university system offers broad access to higher education, and Australian cities rank among the most livable in the world.

### New Zealand

New Zealand places a premium on fairness and freedom. It consistently ranks high for civil liberties, environmental stewardship, and gender equality. The government has enacted bold reforms in areas such as drug policy, euthanasia, and family leave.

With a small population, New Zealand benefits from agile policymaking. Its commitment to liberalism shines through in inclusive education and accessible healthcare. The country fosters cultural cohesion among its diverse communities, ensuring respect for both immigrants and Indigenous peoples.

### Iceland

Iceland punches above its weight when it comes to liberal policies. It ranks very high for gender equality and, in 1980, became the first country to democratically elect a female president.

The country offers universal healthcare, strong civil rights protections, and progressive environmental policies. Iceland’s small, cohesive society enables swift action on liberal reforms, and cultural cohesion bolsters its social safety net. The nation consistently performs well on human rights indexes and is viewed as a beacon of liberal democracy in the North Atlantic.

—

These countries demonstrate how liberal values can shape societies in diverse yet impactful ways—ensuring freedom, equality, and justice are not just aspirations but lived realities.
https://people.howstuffworks.com/most-liberal-countries.htm

Jury reaches verdict in trial of Bay Area activist who took chickens from Purdue plant

Posted on by
Reply

**California Animal Rights Activist Found Guilty in High-Profile Chicken Rescue Case**

*Santa Rosa, Calif.* — A verdict has been reached in the trial of Zoe Rosenberg, a 23-year-old California animal rights activist who gained national attention for rescuing four chickens from a major Perdue Farms poultry plant. This case, closely watched by both animal rights advocates and the agriculture industry, concluded after a seven-week trial in Sonoma County Superior Court.

### The Case Background

Rosenberg was charged with felony conspiracy, two misdemeanor counts of trespassing, and a misdemeanor count of tampering with a vehicle. Prosecutors allege that she illegally entered the Petaluma Poultry plant in 2023, a facility supplying chickens to Perdue Farms—one of the largest poultry providers to grocery chains in the United States.

Rather than disputing that she took the chickens, Rosenberg’s defense focused on the justification for her actions. She claimed she was rescuing the birds — named Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea — from abuse and neglect.

### How the Rescue Happened

According to testimony and media reports, Rosenberg disguised herself as a Petaluma Poultry worker by using a fake badge and earpiece. She also shared a video of the rescue on social media. Rosenberg stated that her actions were motivated by concern for animal cruelty, not criminal intent.

“These chickens were incredibly ill and they needed care,” Rosenberg told The Associated Press before the trial’s closing arguments. “When an animal is in distress, and authorities aren’t stepping in, we have the legal right to help them ourselves. My intent was to help animals and to do so legally, not to break the law.”

### Support at the Trial

On the day of closing arguments, around three dozen supporters showed their solidarity by wearing orange paper poppies—representing one of the rescued chickens named after the flower.

### Defense and Prosecution Arguments

Chris Carraway, one of Rosenberg’s defense attorneys, emphasized the motivation behind her actions. “This is not a whodunit but a why-dunit. Zoe genuinely believed these chickens were suffering, and that sincere belief guided her to act compassionately,” he told the jury.

In contrast, Deputy District Attorney Matt Hobson argued that the break-in was a staged publicity stunt orchestrated by Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), the Berkeley-based animal rights group Rosenberg joined at age 12. Hobson highlighted multiple unauthorized entries into the plant, theft of company information, and attaching GPS devices to delivery trucks.

“Getting filmed was more important than those chickens,” Hobson said during closing arguments, criticizing the defense for not calling a veterinarian who reportedly examined the rescued animals.

Rob Muelrath, spokesman for Petaluma Poultry, called DxE “an extremist group intent on destroying the animal agriculture industry” and maintained that animals at the facility were not mistreated. He stated, “The actions of Rosenberg and her associates triggered a temporary facility shutdown and posed contamination risks, creating a more dangerous situation than claimed.”

### Local Context: Sonoma County’s Tough Stance on Activism

Sonoma County is known for its stringent approach toward animal rights activism, particularly where it intersects with agriculture—the region’s major industry.

In 2022, Wayne Hsiung, DxE co-founder, was prosecuted for factory farm protests in Petaluma, resulting in a 90-day jail sentence and probation. More recently, DxE member Raven Deerbrook, who testified in Rosenberg’s defense, reached a plea agreement on similar charges. Deerbrook described herself as a former DxE member and reported investigating alleged animal cruelty at Petaluma Poultry, informing Rosenberg of her findings.

### Rosenberg’s Activism and Previous Arrests

As a condition of pre-trial release, Rosenberg had worn an ankle monitor since the start of the trial last month. She is currently a student at the University of California, Berkeley.

On social media, Rosenberg expressed frustration about the resources spent prosecuting her rather than addressing alleged animal cruelty. “Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea are safe, but so many others are not,” she wrote on Instagram, emphasizing the urgency of her cause.

Her history includes a 2022 arrest for chaining herself to a basketball post during an NBA playoff game as a protest against Rembrandt Farms, a large egg supplier accused of animal abuse.

### Verdict and Sentencing

Zoe Rosenberg faces more than five years in prison if convicted. The verdict marks another significant chapter in the ongoing conflict between animal rights activism and agricultural interests in California.

—

*This story is developing. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.*
https://abc7news.com/post/zoe-rosenberg-jury-reaches-verdict-trial-santa-rosa-california-activist-took-chickens-purdue-plant/18087441/

Deepika Padukone becomes Meta AI’s first Indian voice, joins global roster including Awkwafina, Judi Dench and more!

Posted on by
Reply

Deepika Padukone has created history by becoming the first Indian to lend her voice to Meta AI, the virtual assistant integrated into Meta’s ecosystem, including the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. She joins a prestigious global lineup of voices for the AI assistant, featuring Hollywood celebrities such as Awkwafina and Judi Dench.

This collaboration marks a powerful intersection of technology and culture, positioning Deepika as a bridge between global innovation and Indian identity. Meta announced that users in India will now be able to interact with Meta AI through Deepika’s voice, available in Indian English. Alongside this, the company introduced full Hindi language support and UPI Lite payments, making the experience more localized and personal.

The biggest talking point remains Deepika’s voice — warm, poised, and unmistakably familiar. Known for her global influence and grounded presence, Deepika brings authenticity and emotion to a space often dominated by synthetic tones. Her voice adds a human touch to artificial intelligence, turning digital interactions into something relatable and distinctly Indian.

For millions of users, hearing Deepika guide them through tasks or respond to questions adds a sense of comfort and connection rarely found in technology. This partnership also represents India’s growing significance in the global tech landscape. By featuring Deepika, Meta acknowledges India’s cultural power and linguistic diversity.

This move goes beyond mere convenience; it celebrates representation and the inclusion of an Indian identity within a global product. For Deepika, this step expands her influence beyond cinema into the realm of digital innovation. It’s another milestone in a career defined by versatility, intelligence, and impact.

With this collaboration, she becomes not just the voice of Meta AI but the voice of a new era where technology feels a little more human, and a lot more Indian.

—

**Also Read:**
Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour work rule sparks debate: Hansal Mehta, Hema Malini, and Sharmila Tagore weigh in

**BOLLYWOOD NEWS LIVE UPDATES**
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/deepika-padukone-becomes-meta-ais-first-indian-voice-joins-global-roster-including-awkwafina-judi-dench/