一 | PANAMA CITY -- Protesters blocked streets across Panama on Monday, demanding the government rescind a contract to continue copper mining in a biodiverse region.Teaching and construction unions led calls against the contract with environmentalists, saying continued development threatens forested land and crucial groundwater just 75 miles (120 kilometers) west of the capital, in the state of Colon.Across Panama City, peaceful protesters handed out fliers, but in some areas on the outskirts of the capital police met protesters with tear gas. In anticipation of the largest marches since a cost of living crisis last July, both the Department of Education and the University of Panama cancelled classes. The government used social media to highlight the “enormous contribution” the mine — Panama's largest private investment ever — makes to the country's economy.In March, Panama's legislature reached an agreement with Canadian mining company First Quantum, allowing its local subsidiary, Minera Panama, to continue operating a huge open-pit copper mine in central Panama for at least 20 more years. The mine was temporarily closed last year when talks between the government and First Quantum broke down over payments the government wanted to receive.Protests began after President Laurentino Cortizo signed off on that contract on Friday after it was approved by the congress.The president acted surreptitiously, according to Fernando Abrego, leader of Panama's Association of Teachers union. “The government decided this confrontation by quickly and expeditiously approving a contract they know is rejected by the people,” he said.Teachers were joined by construction workers, who are one of country's most powerful labor groups. “The people are in the streets in defense of sovereignty," said union leader Saúl Méndez, "in the face of a contract that cedes self-determination by devastating the environment to steal resources.”It is unclear how persuasive these arguments will prove against the economic boon of a single mining site that already brings in 3% of the nation’s gross domestic product. Minera Panama says the mine will employ thousands of Panamanians and that its shipments make 80% of the country's total exports.The new contract, initially slowed by labor disagreements, secures Panama at least $375 million a year from Minera Panama, over 10 times more than the previous deal. It represents one of the largest national mining contracts in a region where other countries like Costa Rica regulate the sector more stringently and El Salvador which banned metal mining in 2017. For teachers, however, Abrego said concession was not an option, and that the teachers' union would hold an assembly to plan their next actions. “We will remain in the streets,” he said.。 As artificial intelligence tools become increasingly accessible, concerns around misuse and consent are growing louder across the entertainment industry. Several actors have already voiced alarm over AI generated images that circulate online without permission. Now, actor Nivetha Thomas has added her voice to this ongoing conversation, issuing a strong public warning against the circulation of AI generated content that misuses her identity.A Firm Stand Against Digital MisuseTaking to her social media platforms, Nivetha directly addressed the issue, calling the creation and sharing of such images a serious violation of privacy. In a sharply worded note, she urged pages and users responsible for circulating AI generated visuals of her to remove the content immediately. She also appealed to the wider public to refrain from resharing or engaging with such material in any form, stressing that participation only legitimises an unethical practice.Nivetha described the misuse as deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and unlawful. She made it clear that her statement was being placed on record, and that anonymity would not shield those responsible. According to her, continued circulation of such content would be treated as deliberate misuse of her identity and could invite legal consequences. The message reflected a growing frustration among artists who feel exposed in an online ecosystem that often moves faster than regulation. It has come to my attention that AI-generated images misusing my identity and a recent photograph I shared on my social media are being circulated online.The creation and circulation of such content without consent is deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and unlawful. It… — Nivetha Thomas (@i_nivethathomas) December 17, 2025 Actors Push Back Against AI AbuseNivetha Thomas is not alone in raising concerns about artificial intelligence and its unchecked application. In recent months, several prominent actors including Shriya Saran, Aditi Rao Hydari, Keerthy Suresh, and Sai Pallavi have spoken openly about the harmful effects of AI generated images. Many of them have cautioned fans and social media users against participating in trends that cross ethical boundaries under the guise of creativity or admiration.Earlier this week, Sreeleela also shared a heartfelt message highlighting the darker side of technological advancement. Requesting social media users to stop supporting what she described as AI generated nonsense, the actor drew a clear line between using technology responsibly and abusing it. She pointed out that innovation is meant to simplify life, not create fear or insecurity, particularly for artists who already navigate intense public scrutiny.Sreeleela further argued that the misuse of AI is increasingly becoming a safety concern for actors, especially women, in the film industry. Her comments echoed a larger industry wide anxiety about deepfake content, manipulated images, and the psychological toll of losing control over one’s own likeness.Globally too, actors and creators have been demanding clearer legal frameworks to address AI related violations. From Hollywood strikes to public advisories by performers across industries, the message is consistent. Consent must remain central, even in the age of rapidly evolving technology. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SREELEELA (@sreeleela14) Nivetha Thomas and the Road AheadOn the professional front, Nivetha Thomas was last seen in the Telugu film 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu, directed by Nanda Kishore Emani. The film also featured Arundev Pothula, Vishwadev Rachakonda, and Priyadarshi Pulikonda in key roles. Known for her grounded performances and thoughtful choice of roles, Nivetha has built a reputation for balancing mainstream appeal with strong content driven cinema.Her decision to speak up now underscores how personal and pressing the issue of AI misuse has become for actors. It is no longer a distant technological debate, but a lived reality that affects dignity, safety, and mental wellbeing. By publicly drawing boundaries and warning of legal escalation, Nivetha joins a growing movement of artists demanding accountability in digital spaces.As conversations around artificial intelligence continue to evolve, voices like hers are pushing the industry and audiences alike to rethink where innovation ends and exploitation begins. Also Read: Nani resumes shooting for Tuck Jagadish。
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