Hollywood is grappling with the rapid advancement of AI, particularly after ByteDance's Seedance 2.0 generated a viral deepfake video of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting. On February 12, 2026, the Motion Picture Association (MPA), led by CEO Charles Rivkin, strongly criticized Seedance 2.0, accusing ByteDance of "massive" unauthorized use of US copyrighted works. This echoes concerns raised last October about OpenAI's Sora 2, prompting demands for ByteDance to implement safeguards.
The realistic deepfake has intensified fears among creatives. Screenwriter Rhett Reese, known for "Deadpool & Wolverine," expressed significant worry, stating that AI could soon enable one person to create entire movies, potentially leading to widespread job losses in the industry. SAG-AFTRA has also condemned the unauthorized use of actors' likenesses and is actively pushing for AI protections in contracts. In response, London sales company Mise En Scene Company (MSC), under CEO Paul Yates, introduced a "No AI Used" label for films at the European Film Market, advocating for a global standard to protect human creativity.
Beyond Hollywood, AI is transforming various sectors. In search technology, Exa AI launched Exa Instant, a neural search engine that delivers web data to AI agents in under 200 milliseconds, proving up to 15 times faster than competitors like Tavily Ultra Fast. Cloudflare is also enhancing AI efficiency with its Markdown for Agents feature, converting HTML to markdown to reduce token usage by up to 80% for AI systems, making web content processing cheaper.
Canadian athletes are leveraging AI for their Winter Games preparation in Milan-Cortina, Italy. While a ChatGPT-designed training plan proved unusable for skier Xavier McKeever, AI is widely used for biomechanical analysis, tracking body shapes via computer vision, and optimizing paths in sliding sports. The International Olympic Committee believes AI can revolutionize judging, with AI already used by the International Gymnastics Federation at the Paris 2024 Summer Games.
However, concerns about AI bias and regulation are growing. Chinese AI models like DeepSeek and Alibaba's Qwen3 are reportedly promoting pro-China views, avoiding sensitive topics, and providing "positive and constructive" answers about China, as noted by Estonia's foreign intelligence agency. Domestically, Connecticut is preparing new AI laws focusing on child safety and consumer protection, led by Governor Ned Lamont and Senator James Maroney, aiming to update data privacy and require labeling for AI-screened job resumes.
The financial and real estate sectors are also adapting to AI. KBW CEO Tom Michaud highlighted new risks AI brings to banks. In real estate, FSBO.com was acquired by Mike Kortas and Brad Rice, who plan to modernize the platform with an AI-guided experience to simplify home buying and selling, potentially saving consumers thousands in commissions.
Key Takeaways
- The Motion Picture Association (MPA) criticized ByteDance's Seedance 2.0 on February 12, 2026, for "massive" unauthorized use of copyrighted works after a viral deepfake of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.
- MPA CEO Charles Rivkin demanded ByteDance implement safeguards, citing similar concerns previously raised about OpenAI's Sora 2.
- Screenwriter Rhett Reese fears AI will cause significant job losses in Hollywood, believing one person could soon create full movies with AI.
- Paul Yates, CEO of Mise En Scene Company (MSC), introduced a "No AI Used" label for films to protect human creativity and advocate for a global standard.
- Exa AI launched Exa Instant, a neural search engine delivering web data to AI agents in under 200 milliseconds, up to 15 times faster than competitors.
- Cloudflare's Markdown for Agents converts HTML to markdown, reducing AI processing token usage by up to 80% and making web content processing cheaper.
- Canadian athletes are using AI for Winter Games training, including biomechanical analysis and path optimization, though a ChatGPT plan was unusable for one skier.
- Chinese AI models like DeepSeek and Alibaba's Qwen3 are reported to promote pro-China views and avoid sensitive topics.
- Connecticut is developing new AI laws focusing on child safety, consumer protection, and requiring disclosure for AI-screened job resumes.
- FSBO.com plans to integrate an AI-guided experience to simplify home buying and selling, potentially saving consumers thousands in commissions.
Studios urge TikTok owner to stop AI deepfakes
On February 12, 2026, the Motion Picture Association asked ByteDance, owner of TikTok, to control its new AI model, Seedance 2.0. This model created a viral deepfake video showing Tom Cruise fighting Brad Pitt. Studios worry about unauthorized use of copyrighted content, similar to concerns raised last October about OpenAI's Sora 2. The MPA wants ByteDance to add safeguards to protect creators' rights and prevent further infringement.
Writer fears AI will decimate Hollywood jobs
A realistic 15-second AI video showing Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting has worried top screenwriter Rhett Reese. Irish filmmaker Ruairi Robinson posted the video, which he created with just two lines of text. Reese, known for "Deadpool & Wolverine," fears AI will revolutionize Hollywood and cause many job losses. He believes one person could soon create a full movie with AI, making human artistry vulnerable. Entrepreneur Matt Shumer also warns that AI is rapidly improving and will soon perform many jobs better than humans.
Hollywood writer fears AI will change film industry
A realistic 15-second AI video showing Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting has caused alarm in Hollywood. Screenwriter Rhett Reese, known for "Deadpool & Wolverine," believes AI will soon allow one person to create full movies, potentially ending many careers. Irish filmmaker Ruairi Robinson made the viral video using a simple two-line prompt. Reese worries about job losses but also notes AI tools could help new talents enter the industry. Entrepreneur Matt Shumer also warns that AI is rapidly improving and will soon perform many jobs better than humans.
Film studios condemn ByteDance AI for copyright theft
On February 12, 2026, the Motion Picture Association strongly criticized Seedance 2.0, a new AI video generator from ByteDance. This happened after a viral AI video showed Tom Cruise fighting Brad Pitt. The MPA stated that Seedance 2.0 is using US copyrighted works on a massive scale without proper safeguards. They urged ByteDance to stop this activity, recalling how OpenAI added restrictions to its Sora 2 service after similar concerns. Screenwriter Rhett Reese also expressed fear, saying AI could soon allow anyone to create full movies.
Viral AI video of Pitt and Cruise alarms Hollywood
On February 13, 2026, a viral AI video showing Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise fighting caused major concern in Hollywood. The video, made by ByteDance's Seedance 2.0 platform, led to copyright complaints and fears that AI will replace creative jobs. Charles Rivkin, CEO of the Motion Picture Association, demanded ByteDance stop its "massive" use of copyrighted works. SAG-AFTRA also condemned the unauthorized use of actors' likenesses and is pushing for AI protections in contracts. Screenwriter Rhett Reese expressed his fear, calling the video "professional" and worrying about the future of the industry.
Studios blast ByteDance AI over realistic deepfakes
Hollywood studios are criticizing Seedance 2.0, a new "ultra-realistic" AI video tool from ByteDance, the owner of TikTok. The tool creates clips like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting, often using real actors and copyrighted content. Charles Rivkin, CEO of the Motion Picture Association, stated that Seedance 2.0 is using US copyrighted works on a massive scale without permission. While TikTok says it respects intellectual property and has stopped users from uploading images of real people, screenwriter Rhett Reese fears AI will decimate Hollywood jobs. However, writer Heather Anne Campbell believes original ideas remain difficult for AI to create.
New AI video tool Seedance 2.0 alarms Hollywood
The release of Seedance 2.0, a new AI video generator, has caused fear in Hollywood. A viral AI clip showing Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting led screenwriter Rhett Reese to declare, "it's likely over for us." Irish filmmaker Ruairi Robinson created this clip using a simple two-line prompt. The Motion Picture Association accuses ByteDance, Seedance 2.0's owner, of massive unauthorized use of US copyrighted works. They demand ByteDance stop its infringing activities, highlighting concerns about AI systems training on copyrighted material.
Exa AI launches super fast search engine for AI
Exa AI introduced Exa Instant, a new neural search engine designed for speed. It delivers web data to AI agents in under 200 milliseconds, solving a major problem in AI workflows. Unlike traditional search tools that can cause delays, Exa Instant uses its own advanced technology to understand queries and provide relevant results quickly. Tests show it is up to 15 times faster than competitors like Tavily Ultra Fast and Brave. This new service costs $5 for every 1,000 requests and provides clean content for large language models.
Cloudflare helps AI read web pages faster
Cloudflare launched Markdown for Agents, a new feature that converts web pages from HTML to markdown for AI systems. This change makes it much cheaper for AI to process web content, as HTML uses many more tokens than markdown. For example, Cloudflare saw an 80% reduction in tokens on its own blog. AI agents can request markdown by including a specific header, and Cloudflare's network will convert the page in real-time. This feature also builds on Cloudflare's Content Signals, allowing content creators to control how AI uses their content.
Canadian athletes use AI for Winter Games training
Canadian athletes are using artificial intelligence to prepare for the Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. While a ChatGPT-designed training plan proved unusable for skier Xavier McKeever, AI is widely used as a training tool. Andy Van Neutegem from Own the Podium explains that "machine learning" helps track athletes' biomechanics and body shapes using computer vision. Sliding sports also use AI with local positioning systems to find the fastest lines. The International Olympic Committee believes AI can change judging, as seen with AI judging at the Paris 2024 Summer Games for gymnastics.
AI helps Canadian athletes train for Winter Games
Canadian athletes are using artificial intelligence to get ready for the Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. While a training plan from ChatGPT was not useful for skier Xavier McKeever, AI serves as an important training tool. Andy Van Neutegem from Own the Podium explains that "machine learning" uses computer vision to analyze athletes' body movements and shapes for better performance. Sliding sports also use AI to find the fastest paths on tracks. The International Olympic Committee believes AI can transform judging, and the International Gymnastics Federation already used AI judging at the Paris 2024 Summer Games.
Film company labels movies "No AI Used"
London sales company Mise En Scene Company, or MSC, introduced a "No AI Used" label for its films at the European Film Market. CEO Paul Yates stated this initiative aims to protect human creativity against the rise of machine-generated content. MSC wants the film industry and policymakers to create a global standard, similar to organic labels, so viewers can easily identify content made entirely by humans. While MSC supports AI as a tool, they believe clear labeling is essential to prevent human artistry from being lost in a flood of synthetic culture. The company plans to expand this certification to other creative fields like music and publishing.
AI brings new risks to banks and finance
Artificial intelligence is changing the financial sector and creating new risks for banks. KBW CEO Tom Michaud discussed these threats on the show "Mornings with Maria." The rapid growth of AI means financial institutions must adapt to new challenges and potential dangers.
Radio faces challenge from AI voices
World Radio Day, supported by UNESCO, is focusing on the impact of AI on radio. Alessandro Gisotti, Deputy Editorial Director, believes AI cannot replace the human connection and emotion in radio, even as AI presenters and cloned voices become common. UNESCO's theme for 2026 is "Artificial Intelligence is a tool. Not a voice." Pope Leo XIV also warned that AI can create fake realities and deceive people. The main concern is transparency, as listeners should know if they are hearing a human or an AI-generated voice.
Chinese AI models promote pro-China views
Chinese AI models, including DeepSeek and Alibaba's Qwen3, are spreading globally but may offer biased views on China. DeepSeek has avoided sensitive topics like the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Alibaba's Qwen3 is programmed to give "positive and constructive" answers about China, focusing on achievements and avoiding negative statements. However, for other countries, Qwen aims for "neutral and objective" responses. Estonia's foreign intelligence agency also reported that DeepSeek hides information and includes Chinese propaganda. This suggests that Chinese AI models often reflect the government's stance.
Tech today wearables AI and Valentine gifts
On February 13, 2026, Kara Tsuboi reported on top tech news. This included how athletes can use wearables to train like Olympians. The Olympic Village also features AI-powered robotic pin trading. For those needing last-minute Valentine's gifts, a streaming service is suggested as a crowd-pleaser.
Connecticut plans AI laws for child safety
Connecticut is preparing new AI laws that will focus on protecting children and consumers. Governor Ned Lamont and Senator James Maroney are leading this effort during the General Assembly session. The proposed bills aim to update consumer data privacy, limit facial recognition use, and require labeling for dynamic pricing. They also plan to include protections for chatbots and require companies to disclose when AI screens job resumes. The goal is to make Connecticut the most AI-literate state, while Governor Lamont also supports working with other states on AI regulations.
AI tools and new ownership for real estate
On February 13, 2026, Rob Chrisman reported on several updates in the mortgage and real estate industries. Lender Toolkit introduced Guideline Agent, an AI search tool to help lenders quickly find loan guideline details. Michele Bodda suggested that mortgage credit scoring should include alternative data like rent payments to better assess creditworthiness. Additionally, FSBO.com, a "For Sale by Owner" platform, was acquired by a group led by Mike Kortas and Brad Rice. The new owners plan to modernize FSBO.com with an AI-guided experience to simplify home buying and selling, potentially saving consumers thousands in commissions. Mortgage rates also saw a slight decrease this week.
Sources
- MPA Calls On TikTok Owner ByteDance To Curb New AI Model That Created Tom Cruise Vs. Brad Pitt Deepfake
- AI Video of Tom Cruise Fighting Brad Pitt Has Top Writer Warning: “It’s Likely Over for Us”
- AI Video of Tom Cruise Fighting Brad Pitt Has Top Writer Warning: “It’s Likely Over for Us”
- After AI Video of ‘Tom Cruise’ Fighting ‘Brad Pitt’ Goes Viral, Motion Picture Association Denounces ‘Massive’ Infringement on Seedance 2.0
- Viral AI video of Brad Pitt fighting Tom Cruise shakes Hollywood
- Seedance: Hollywood studios take aim at 'ultra-realistic' AI video tool
- ‘It’s over for us’: release of new AI video generator Seedance 2.0 spooks Hollywood
- Exa AI Introduces Exa Instant: A Sub-200ms Neural Search Engine Designed to Eliminate Bottlenecks for Real-Time Agentic Workflows
- Cloudflare Introduces Markdown To Help AI Agents Access Web Pages
- More Canadian athletes powered by artificial intelligence at Winter Games
- More Canadian athletes powered by artificial intelligence at Winter Games
- London Sales Company MSC Labels Films ‘No AI Used’ at EFM, Calls for Global Standard (EXCLUSIVE)
- AI disruption threatens financial sector, poses new risks to banks
- Radio and the challenge of artificial intelligence
- Chinese AI models push pro-China views
- Wearables to train like an Olympian, AI-powered pin trading, last-minute Valentine's gifts | tech today
- Connecticut AI Legislation to Prioritize Child, Consumer Safety
- LOS, Guideline, AI Search, Non-QM Pricing Products; FSBO.com Acquired; Thoughts on Measuring Creditworthiness
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