Hello Codebreakers,

Welcome aboard another edition of Culture, Code, Commerce.

AI is changing the way we create, market, and even legislate. Today’s issue is packed with insights on how these changes impact your brand, your customers, and your bottom line.

In today’s issue, we’re covering:

• Hollywood embraces AI, now what?

• New California law shields actors from AI

• AI-powered tools coming to YouTube Shorts

• California targets social media algorithms

• TikTok expands subscriptions for creators

• Instagram’s new parental controls for teens

Let’s dive in!

AI enters Hollywood, with big implications for creatives.

Lionsgate just signed a deal with Runway, an AI startup, to generate video content using generative AI models. As major studios experiment with AI, this partnership could signal a major shift in Hollywood.

• This is one of the first studio-wide adoptions of AI for video creation, aiming to streamline production.

• Runway's generative tools could lower costs and increase efficiency, but could they risk reducing the human touch in creativity?

"AI will be critical in our future production strategy" - Read more

What this means to you: If AI can reshape an industry as creative as filmmaking, it can also streamline your marketing and content strategies. Look at AI tools to reduce content creation time, but be cautious—customers still crave authentic human connection. Use AI to enhance, not replace, your unique value.

What to watch for: Expect more creative AI tools that blend automation with personalized experiences—keeping an eye on the balance between efficiency and authenticity.

Actors get a legal win, but is AI content truly stopped?

California passed a law banning the use of AI to replace actors without consent. It’s a safeguard for talent in a world where digital likenesses are becoming more common, especially with deepfakes and AI voice cloning on the rise.

• The law comes as actors push back against studios using AI tools without their approval.

• This could set a precedent for creative professionals in other industries to protect their intellectual property.

"This isn’t just about actors—it’s about protecting creativity." - Read more

What this means to you: This is a wake-up call to review your own intellectual property strategies. Ensure your brand’s creative assets are protected, whether it’s your logo, digital content, or even customer data. Keep AI as a support tool—not a full-on replacement for human ingenuity.

What to watch for: More industries following California’s lead, placing restrictions on AI use without human approval.

AI will soon make Youtube shorts even easier to create.

YouTube is adding AI tools for Shorts, allowing creators to easily edit and generate content. This move follows the rise of other AI-powered video apps, making short-form video creation more accessible.

• These new features aim to lower the barrier for content creation by automating tedious tasks like editing.

• Expect better quality Shorts and more competition as AI empowers less-experienced creators.

"Now anyone can produce polished, engaging content in minutes." - Read more

What this means to you: If you aren’t already using short-form video, now’s the time to start. AI tools will make content creation quicker and cheaper. Leverage these tools to engage your audience with bite-sized, high-quality content.

What to watch for: More AI-powered features rolling out across other social platforms, especially for video editing.

California law takes a hard look at social media’s impact on teens.

California has passed a new law aimed at reducing the mental health impacts of social media algorithms on young people. Platforms will now face stricter rules, especially in how their algorithms engage teens.

• This law targets the algorithms that push teens towards harmful content, requiring tech companies to redesign how content is delivered to younger audiences.

• Companies violating the law could face hefty fines, potentially reshaping social media platforms.

"Tech must evolve with youth in mind, not just engagement metrics." - Read more

What this means to you: If your business uses social media marketing, expect changes in how algorithms prioritize content for younger audiences. This is a chance to rework your strategy, focusing on ethical content that aligns with mental well-being—especially for Gen Z.

What to watch for: More states enacting similar laws, which could change how algorithms work across all platforms.

More monetization tools for creators rolling out on TikTok.

TikTok just launched an expanded subscription feature, giving creators more ways to earn. This includes exclusive content, direct interaction with fans, and new ways for creators to grow their fan base through paid support.

• Subscriptions give creators more predictable income, reducing their reliance on ad revenue.

• Creators can offer perks like exclusive videos, one-on-one chats, and early access to content.

"This is part of our long-term plan to support creators." - Read more

What this means to you: If your brand uses TikTok, consider partnering with creators who are using these new features. It’s an opportunity to connect with more engaged audiences while helping influencers monetize their content in new ways. Sponsorships and collaborations will become more valuable as creators look for reliable income streams.

What to watch for: More platforms rolling out subscription models—social media is shifting towards creator monetization.

Parental controls become a must-have for Instagram users under 16.

Instagram is making parental controls mandatory for users under 16. This new policy is designed to give parents more control over their kids’ social media activity, with features like screen time limits and content monitoring.

• Parents will now have to approve certain actions, like following new accounts.

• Instagram is tightening safety measures, as regulators increase pressure on platforms to protect minors.

"Safety is our top priority for younger users." - Read more

What this means to you: Brands targeting younger demographics need to be aware of these new parental controls. This might limit how you reach younger users, but it also opens doors to create family-friendly content that parents can trust. Consider how to make your messaging suitable for both teens and their guardians.

What to watch for: Expect other platforms to implement similar parental control measures, especially as scrutiny on tech giants grows.

Until next time, keep innovating!

Kofi

G. Kofi Annan

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