The Rise of AI 6 June 2023 Fans use AI deepfakes to keep a slain Indian rapper’s voice alive Musicians and lawyers are worried about the wider implications of Punjabi hip-hop artist Sidhu Moosewala’s voice making a comeback. By Yashraj Sharma
Creators & Communities 6 June 2023 How China’s rural influencers find fame and fortune across the Great Firewall Influencer agencies bring Chinese creators to banned sites like YouTube and Instagram. By Viola Zhou
The Rise of AI 1 June 2023 Fans in China used AI to deepfake a pop star’s return to music Stefanie Sun has not released an album since 2017 — so her audience took her voice into their own hands. By Viola Zhou
South Asia Newsletter 31 May 2023 How Facebook groups help with pet rescue and adoption in India These groups have built strong volunteer communities that want to help animals. By Durga M Sengupta
Meet the Influencer 23 May 2023 Meet the Nigerian YouTuber bringing a positive lens to African stories With 600,000 subscribers, Tayo Aina is one of Africa’s most prominent creators. By Ugonna-Ora Owoh
Creators & Communities 23 May 2023 Chinese internet trolls are adopting American racism to taunt Black users Users are harassing Black creators with profile pictures of white police officers. By Viola Zhou
Creators & Communities 22 May 2023 Doctor-influencers are going viral in China, provoking authorities Fueled by the pandemic, medical professionals have cashed in on Douyin, dispensing advice and endorsements. By Viola Zhou
Creators & Communities 19 May 2023 Pakistani YouTubers are exposing the dangers of illegal migration to Europe Political instability, economic crisis, natural disasters, and the promise of a better life abroad compel Pakistanis to risk everything. By Kanika Gupta
Creators & Communities 19 May 2023 An influencer in Indonesia could go to jail for trying pork on TikTok Under the Muslim-majority country’s blasphemy laws, the TikToker faces up to five years in prison. By Aisyah Llewellyn
The Rise of AI 16 May 2023 TikTok creators use AI to rewrite history A viral trend imagines alternate timelines in which Western imperial nations never came to power. By Andrew Deck
Access & Connectivity 11 May 2023 In Venezuela, crime victims turn to influencers to find justice To get the authorities’ attention, victims get help from influencers specialized in niches like corruption and pet justice. By Andrea Paola Hernández
Creators & Communities 10 May 2023 The capybara influencer revolt A wildlife influencer’s famous capybara was confiscated by Brazilian authorities. A mass movement ensued. By Matheus Andrade
