New Jersey has made it a crime to create or share deceptive AI-generated media, including deepfakes, under a new law signed by Governor Phil Murphy. Offenders could face up to five years in prison and civil lawsuits. The legislation follows advocacy by Francesca Mani, a student victimized by a deepfake video. New Jersey joins over 20 states cracking down on AI-altered media, especially around elections and abuse imagery. The law defines deepfakes as media that falsely depict someone engaging in actions they did not commit, targeting a rising threat in the age of generative AI and misinformation.
TRUMP TARIFFS TRIGGER S&P GLOBAL REVIEW
Credit ratings agency S&P Global is reviewing all its global economic forecasts after Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs sent shockwaves through world markets. The firm warned of increased inflation in the U.S., now expected to reach 4% by year-end, and potential downgrades across economies heavily reliant on U.S. trade. While S&P does not predict a recession, it raised the likelihood to 35% from 25%. Retaliatory tariffs, particularly from China and the EU, are expected to impact global GDP, with smaller economies likely to feel the hardest hits. Revised forecasts will be published next week amid rising economic and geopolitical tensions.
OIL PRICES CRASH AMID TARIFFS
Global oil prices plummeted by 8% following China’s announcement of 34% retaliatory tariffs on all U.S. goods, intensifying trade tensions sparked by President Trump’s aggressive tariff measures. Brent crude fell to $64.84, and WTI dropped to $61.48—marking the steepest weekly decline in over two years. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) also accelerated plans to boost output, further pressuring prices. Analysts warn the escalating trade war could hinder global economic growth and reduce oil demand. Goldman Sachs slashed its year-end oil price targets, citing increased risks of recession and surplus supply from OPEC+.
PRINCE HARRY FACES HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS
Prince Harry has been accused of “harassment and bullying at scale” by Sentebale chair Dr Sophie Chandauka, following his resignation and that of the charity’s trustees. In a Sky News interview, Chandauka claimed Harry authorized damaging PR without warning, impacting her and the charity’s 540 members. A source close to the former trustees dismissed her claims as “completely baseless.” Sentebale, co-founded by Harry and Prince Seeiso, was created in memory of Princess Diana to support children in southern Africa affected by HIV/AIDS. The controversy has sparked a UK Charity Commission investigation, raising serious concerns about governance and internal conflict.
DENMARK REJECTS US GREENLAND ANNEXATION
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected the idea of the United States annexing Greenland, emphasizing that “you cannot annex another country.” Speaking in Nuuk alongside Greenlandic leaders, she urged the U.S. to collaborate on Arctic security rather than challenge Greenland’s sovereignty. Her remarks come amid tensions over U.S. claims that Denmark fails to protect the strategically significant island. U.S. Vice President JD Vance recently criticized Denmark’s Arctic defense, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Greenland’s right to self-determination. Frederiksen outlined new Danish security investments, reaffirming Denmark and Greenland’s commitment to protecting the Arctic together.
