Coca-Cola has once again found itself at the center of public debate, releasing its second AI-generated 'Holidays Are Coming' Christmas ad, which has drawn significant online criticism for being 'soulless' and 'generic.' Despite the backlash, Pratik Thakar, Coca-Cola's Global Vice President of Generative AI, firmly defends the company's commitment to AI, stating that last year's ad was successful and this year's shows major improvements in quality. He also highlights that AI can cut animation costs by up to 90 percent and is being integrated across Coca-Cola's operations, including R&D and supply chain, beyond just marketing. The company previously partnered with Adobe on 'Project Fizzion' for AI content creation and works with Secret Level for its AI ads, emphasizing that human artists are still involved in the creative process. This ongoing discussion around AI's role in creative industries mirrors broader trends and challenges across various sectors. In the business world, Fiserv is launching 'Project Elevate,' a two-year AI transformation agenda in partnership with IBM, aiming to embed AI across its operations, including its Clover point-of-sale business. CEO Mike Lyons expects this initiative to boost productivity and client experience. Meanwhile, solo VC investor Elad Gil identifies clear leaders in the AI market, such as OpenAI and GitHub Copilot for foundational models and AI-assisted coding, while pointing to open opportunities in areas like financial tooling and AI security. Insight Enterprises' research indicates growing trust in autonomous AI, with 57% of organizations confident in its reliability, yet 60% remain in pilot phases, suggesting a lag in strategic implementation. AI is also making inroads into public services and education. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is leveraging AI to enhance trade enforcement against unlawful transshipment, with Kit Conklin, senior vice president at Exiger, noting its role in flagging potential violations. In education, Massachusetts has launched an AI curriculum pilot in 30 school districts, teaching 1,600 students about proper AI use and critical evaluation. UConn has also introduced its AI4ALL pilot program to foster AI literacy among students, with professor Arash Zaghi emphasizing AI's potential for personalized learning, especially for neurodiverse students. In special education, nearly 60% of teachers used AI for IEP or Section 504 plans, an 18% increase from the previous year, though the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) warns of risks related to privacy and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The societal impact of AI continues to be a concern, with deepfake scandals challenging celebrity identity and spreading misinformation, and even a 'Jeopardy!' clue about the 'John Pork' meme sparking an apology from host Ken Jennings for incorrectly attributing its origin solely to AI. These developments underscore the rapid integration of AI into daily life, bringing both significant opportunities and complex challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Coca-Cola is using generative AI for its 'Holidays Are Coming' Christmas ad for the second consecutive year, despite strong public criticism.
- Pratik Thakar, Coca-Cola's Global Vice President of Generative AI, defends the strategy, citing last year's success and potential animation cost reductions of up to 90 percent.
- Coca-Cola has partnered with Adobe on 'Project Fizzion' for AI content creation and works with Secret Level for its AI ads, involving human artists in the process.
- Fiserv is launching 'Project Elevate,' a two-year AI transformation agenda with IBM, aiming to embed AI across its operations, led by CEO Mike Lyons.
- Solo VC investor Elad Gil identifies OpenAI and GitHub Copilot as leaders in foundational models and AI-assisted coding, while seeing open opportunities in financial tooling, accounting, and AI security.
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses AI, with support from Exiger's senior vice president Kit Conklin, to strengthen trade enforcement against unlawful transshipment.
- Massachusetts schools are piloting an AI curriculum program in 30 districts, teaching 1,600 students about responsible AI use and critical evaluation.
- UConn has launched the AI4ALL pilot program to foster AI literacy, emphasizing AI's benefits for personalized learning and creativity, particularly for neurodiverse students.
- Nearly 60% of special education teachers used AI for IEP or Section 504 plans, but the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) warns of potential IDEA and privacy law violations.
- Deepfake technology poses a significant threat to celebrity identity, spreading misinformation and eroding public trust, while even a 'Jeopardy!' clue about an internet meme highlighted the potential for AI-related factual errors.
Coca-Cola AI Christmas Ad Sparks Public Anger
Coca-Cola faced strong online criticism for using AI in its "Holidays are Coming" Christmas ad for the second year in a row. Many viewers on YouTube called the ad "soulless" and preferred human animators. Pratik Thakar, Global Vice President of Generative AI, defended the use of AI, saying it makes impossible things possible. The ad features the famous red delivery truck and song, but some people joked about the lyric "it's always the real thing" because the ad was AI-generated. Coca-Cola also partnered with Adobe on "Project Fizzion" in May for AI content creation.
Coca-Cola Releases Second AI Holiday Ad Amid Debate
Coca-Cola released its "Holidays Are Coming" ad for the second year, created with generative AI in partnership with Secret Level. The ad features classic holiday images like polar bears, Santa Claus, and red delivery trucks, all made using AI. Despite criticism from AI video critics on social media, Pratik Thakar of Coca-Cola stated that last year's AI ad was very successful with customers. The company believes AI can cut animation costs by up to 90 percent. Secret Level also highlighted that human artists are involved in the AI ad creation, doing tasks like hand drawing and sketching characters.
Coca-Cola AI Chief Defends New Holiday Ad Strategy
Pratik Thakar, Coca-Cola's Global Vice President and Head of Generative AI, announced at ADWEEK'S Brandweek that the company is fully committed to generative AI. He stated that "the genie's out of the bottle" and there is no turning back. Despite criticism for last year's AI-generated Christmas ad, Thakar explained it "worked for our business," which encouraged them to continue. He noted that this year's campaign has major improvements in AI-generated cinematography, physics, and rendering quality. Coca-Cola is also applying AI to research and development, supply chain, and knowledge management, not just marketing.
Coca-Cola Defends AI Christmas Ad From Public Criticism
Coca-Cola is defending its Christmas advert after facing strong criticism for using generative AI for the second year. The 2024 ad features anthropomorphic animals and Santa Claus, based on the company's original drawings. Pratik Thakar, global VP of generative AI at Coca-Cola, stated the new ad is "ten times better" than last year's, which critics called an "eyesore" and "AI slop." He admitted they "cannot keep everyone 100 percent happy" but believe it is worth continuing if most consumers react positively. Social media users have strongly criticized the ad, with some even suggesting a boycott.
Coca-Cola Unveils New AI Holiday Ad Despite Past Criticism
On November 3, Coca-Cola released its latest "Holidays Are Coming" ads, which include one created with AI for the second year in a row. Pratik Thakar, global VP of generative AI at Coca-Cola, stated that "human storytellers" guided the ad to ensure it felt "authentic and emotionally resonant." He explained that Coca-Cola uses AI for storytelling, combining heritage with modern innovation. However, the ad received a similar negative response on social media as last year's, with many calling it "soulless" and "forgettable." Despite some positive comments, a behind-the-scenes video also drew criticism. Thakar insists that last year's AI film was successful with customers.
Coca-Cola's AI Christmas Ad Sparks Online Anger
Coca-Cola's latest AI-generated Christmas ad has caused widespread online anger, with many viewers calling it "soulless." This is the second year in a row the company has faced backlash for using artificial intelligence in its holiday advertising. The ad, which features Santa Claus and a polar bear, was criticized for looking generic, uninspired, and having distorted images. Viewers felt it was made by a machine, lacking human creativity. Despite the criticism, Coca-Cola has defended its use of AI, stating it helps create more personalized and engaging content.
Massachusetts Schools Pilot New AI Learning Program
Massachusetts launched an AI curriculum pilot program in 30 school districts, involving 45 educators, including Damien Gaudet from Milford High School. This program, supported by a Healey-Driscoll administration grant, partners with Project Lead The Way to integrate AI into classrooms. Gaudet, who teaches practical arts, applied for the program and completed training and practice lessons. While students showed interest, Gaudet stressed the importance of fact-checking and critically evaluating AI-generated results to prevent students from bypassing their own thinking. The pilot will expand next school year, currently teaching 1,600 students about proper AI use.
AI in Special Education Brings Benefits and Risks
Nearly 60% of special education teachers used AI to develop IEP or Section 504 plans during the 2024-25 school year, an 18% increase from the previous year. A new paper from the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) highlights that AI can save teachers time and improve communication. However, CDT warns of significant risks, including potential violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and privacy laws like FERPA. AI tools that do not create unique, student-specific plans or are not thoroughly reviewed by teachers may not meet IDEA requirements. CDT advises schools to provide guidance and training on responsible AI use and to be careful about entering student information into unapproved AI tools.
Elad Gil Identifies AI Market Leaders and Open Opportunities
Solo VC investor Elad Gil, who has invested in generative AI since 2021, shared his insights on the AI market. He believes certain areas, like foundational models and AI-assisted coding, already have clear winners, including companies like OpenAI, Mistral, and GitHub Copilot. Medical transcription and customer support also have established leaders such as Nuance and Decagon. However, Gil sees wide open opportunities in financial tooling, accounting, and AI security. He cautions that rapid revenue growth from enterprises trying AI does not always mean long-term success, but he highlighted legal AI startup Harvey as a company that is "just working."
Deepfake Scandals Challenge Celebrity Identity Online
Celebrities are facing a new wave of deepfake scandals as AI-generated content blurs the lines between reality and imagination. Deepfake technology can manipulate images and voices with high accuracy, leading to fabricated endorsements and non-consensual pornography. This not only violates celebrities' personal rights but also threatens their careers and public image. The rise of deepfakes also spreads misinformation and erodes public trust in media and public figures. Addressing this growing threat requires a multi-faceted approach, including technological solutions, legal regulations, and public education.
AI Trust Grows But Strategic Use Lags
New research from Insight Enterprises, released on November 4, 2025, shows that trust in autonomous AI is increasing. A significant 57% of organizations reported being "very confident" in AI's reliability for core business processes. However, despite this growing trust, the actual use of AI for strategic purposes is lagging. The survey found that 6 out of 10 organizations are still in pilot or experimental phases with AI. Only 24% are using AI in production for clearly defined tasks, mostly in low-risk areas.
UConn Launches AI Literacy Pilot for Students
UConn launched a new pilot program called AI4ALL, an on-demand course aimed at fostering AI literacy for all students. Led by Civil and Environmental Engineering professor Arash Zaghi, the program is currently being tested with nearly 500 students across the College of Engineering and other first-year communities. Zaghi believes AI can greatly benefit personalized learning, especially for neurodiverse students, by helping them understand complex content and manage daily academic challenges. While mainstream media often focuses on AI's potential for plagiarism, Zaghi emphasizes its value for personalized support and boosting creativity. UConn plans to triple enrollment in the coming years.
Health Tech Updates on AI Coding and GLP-1 Drugs
This health tech news update from November 4, 2025, covers important developments in AI medical coding and GLP-1 microdosing. Telehealth companies such as Noom, Found, and Hims & Hers have recently started programs to prescribe "microdosed" GLP-1s. These companies claim that using the drugs in small doses can offer many health benefits. Mario Aguilar, a Health Tech Correspondent, reports on how technology is changing healthcare practices and the challenges involved.
Fiserv Launches AI Initiative to Boost Productivity
Fiserv is launching a two-year "transformation agenda" called "Project Elevate" to improve its business using artificial intelligence. Partnering with IBM, Fiserv aims to embed AI in all operations, starting with five key areas including its Clover point-of-sale business, sales, and client service. CEO Mike Lyons stated the goal is to become a higher quality and more productive business, offering a better client experience. This initiative comes as Fiserv works to mend customer relationships and reverses some prior pricing changes at Clover, which impacted its revenue guidance. The company expects strong returns on its AI investment.
Jeopardy Host Apologizes for AI Clue Error
Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings apologized after a clue about the internet meme "John Pork" sparked backlash from viewers. During the October 24 episode, the clue stated that "A.I. generated the TikTok Image of this pig/human eventually killed by Tim Cheese." Fans quickly pointed out that John Pork, a digitally created man with a pig's head, was not originally AI-generated. Jennings admitted he did not understand the clue at the time and later clarified that while AI is used in many of John Pork's TikToks, calling his original appearances AI-generated was likely incorrect. He then asked for forgiveness from the deceased character.
CBP Uses AI to Boost Trade Enforcement
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is using AI to strengthen trade enforcement, especially against unlawful transshipment. Kit Conklin, senior vice president at Exiger, explains that his company's AI models and trade data help flag potential transshipment, where goods hide their true country of origin to avoid tariffs. This AI capability allows the administration to enforce trade regulations and bilateral agreements more effectively, particularly concerning products from regions like Xinjiang. Conklin notes that this could lead to greater tariff revenues and warns companies to quickly review their supply chains, as future rules could bring swift liabilities for individual components.
Sources
- Coca-Cola blasted for using AI in 'Holidays are Coming' Christmas ad
- Coca-Cola created another AI holiday ad
- BRANDWEEK: Coca-Cola's AI Chief Dishes on Why the Brand Went Ahead With Another AI Holiday Ad
- Coca-Cola defends Christmas advert amid backlash
- Coca-Cola Releases Another AI-Generated Holiday Ad, Despite Last Year’s Backlash
- Coca-Cola’s ‘Soulless’ AI Ad Sparks Online Fury
- MA launches AI curriculum pilot in class. Milford teacher describes how it works
- Heightened AI use in special education brings elevated risks
- Elad Gil on which AI markets have winners -- and which are still wide open
- Celebrities Face Deepfake Scandals As AI Redefines Fame And Identity Online
- AI Trust Surges to Record Levels, But Just 7% of Organisations Harness Its Strategic Potential
- Pilot Program Aims to Foster AI Literacy for All UConn Students
- News you need to know about AI medical coding and GLP-1 microdosing
- Fiserv turns to AI for help
- ‘Jeopardy!’ host apologizes for clue about ‘A.I. Generated’ image
- What CBP’s AI Push Means for Trade Enforcement
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