Steven Spielberg Says AI Should Not Replace Human Creators At SXSW

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 16, 2026

Spielberg’s Stand At SXSW 2026

Filmmaker Steven Spielberg said he has not used artificial intelligence in his films during an appearance at the SXSW conference in Austin. He made the remarks while discussing the role of AI in filmmaking. Spielberg said he does not support the use of AI if it replaces human creators.

Balancing Technology With Creativity

Spielberg, whose name is synonymous with cinematic masterpieces such as Jaws, E.T., and Raiders of the Lost Ark, is no stranger to exploring the interplay between technology and storytelling. His filmography includes forward-thinking explorations in titles like Minority Report, Ready Player One, and A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Yet, he draws a clear line when it comes to substituting a creative mind with a machine.

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Defending The Role Of The Creative Individual

Speaking at the conference, Spielberg said AI could have applications in different industries. However, he said creative work should continue to rely on human authorship. “I am not for AI if it replaces a creative individual,” Spielberg said. He added that in traditional writers’ rooms and television production environments, creative decisions are made by people rather than automated systems.

Industry Trends And The Future Of AI In Film

Spielberg’s comments come as technology companies and startups expand AI tools for film production. Some companies are marketing AI systems that assist with scriptwriting, editing and visual effects. Major streaming companies are also exploring AI technologies. Amazon has experimented with AI tools in film and television production. Netflix also acquired a filmmaking technology company linked to Ben Affleck for about $600 million, according to industry reports.

The Ongoing Debate

Spielberg’s remarks reflect broader discussions within the film industry about the role of artificial intelligence in creative work. Filmmakers, studios and technology companies continue to debate how AI tools should be used in film production.

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Meta’s $18 Billion Settlement Limits State Claims Over Children’s Data

by News Editor

August 28, 2026

Meta’s $18 billion settlement with attorneys general from 29 U.S. states includes a provision limiting future state claims over the company’s use of children’s data for age-assurance systems.

Under the agreement, Meta must develop, train and begin testing a system to identify users under 13 within a year of the settlement taking effect. The company already uses AI-based age-detection tools, although the agreement does not require the new system to use AI.

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States Agree To Limits On Future Claims

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) generally restricts the collection and retention of personal data from children under 13. Under the settlement, the 29 state attorneys general agreed not to bring past, present or future claims under COPPA or similar state laws over the specified use of children’s data.

Meta will not be permitted to use information from users under 13 for advertising, marketing or algorithmic optimisation.

Federal Enforcement Remains Unclear

COPPA is primarily enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which is not a party to the agreement. That leaves open the possibility of separate federal action over how Meta collects or uses children’s data.

Another issue is whether Meta can keep age-assurance data isolated from its other systems. An independent auditor will monitor compliance, but the settlement does not fully specify what data Meta can retain for training, how long it can be stored or whether derived insights can be used elsewhere.

Legal Risks Remain

Joshua Wurtzel, a partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan, said states could still pursue claims if Meta uses the data outside the settlement’s limits. Such cases could depend on how those limits are interpreted.

Peter Jackson, a data and intellectual property attorney at Greenberg Glusker, said the provision could “disincentivize future enforcement actions.”

The agreement gives Meta greater legal certainty around using children’s data for age assurance, but questions remain over federal enforcement, data retention and secondary use.

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