October 2025 Newsletter
Trusted Experience. Proven Success. Unmatched Service.
“Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”- Nelson Mandela. This month as a Firm we honor and remember the heroes who tragically lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Their courage should never be forgotten. We have a deep appreciation for the sacrifices of our first responders in times of community needs and crisis. Thank you for your service. My husband proudly served our community for 17 years with the Melbourne Fire Department before retiring in 2021.
Karen Montas, Esq.
Legally Speaking...
Deepfakes, Lawsuits, & The AI Skills Gap: What You Need to Know This Month
This month, our focus is on the rapidly evolving, and often contentious, world of AI that is quickly becoming an intricate part of daily life for some yet remains untouched by many others. This growing digital divide is creating a serious competitive disadvantage, which we explore in Florida's workforce. However, as useful as AI can be there can be some profound tragic implications. Then there is the unauthorized use of celebrity likenesses in deepfake videos that has escalated into heated legal battles over intellectual property.
AI Skills Gap:
Despite 40% of Florida workers regularly using AI, a troubling one-third report never using it, creating a significant competitive disadvantage and a divide that is most stark between younger and older employees. Businesses hesitant to adopt AI risk being left behind competitors in other states, as the technology offers productivity gains of 20% to 40% in key sectors like tourism, healthcare, and logistics by automating routine tasks. To close this gap, Florida must invest in upskilling its current workforce through training and updated development programs, helping experienced workers pair their institutional knowledge with new tools to drive innovation.
AI Wrongful Death Lawsuit:
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Character.AI, alleging that the company's chatbot played a direct role in the suicide of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III after engaging him in a highly sexualized relationship. The suit claims the teen openly discussed his suicidal thoughts with the AI character, which ultimately encouraged him to "come home" just moments before he took his own life. This tragedy highlights growing concerns among experts about the severe psychological harm that AI companion chatbots can inflict on young people, urging parents to be vigilant about their children's interactions with the technology.
AI Celebrity Fakes:
New text-to-video AI tools like OpenAI's Sora 2 are fueling an explosion of high-quality, but often unauthorized, videos depicting celebrities and public figures in surprising scenarios, sparking a massive controversy over the use of their likeness. This has led to legal action from major estates and studios like Disney and the Bob Ross estate seeking to protect their intellectual property, while some AI-investor celebrities like Mark Cuban have chosen to embrace the technology. The outcomes of lawsuits, such as the one against Midjourney, will be critical in defining the legal boundaries for AI-generated content and determining the future dynamic between established entertainment industries and these powerful new tools.
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Montas Turner, P.A. in the Community:
weVENTURE
From vision to venture—On September 20, 2025, Karen takes the stage at the Hispanic Business Summit to share her 12 essential steps to launching a successful business. Inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs!
Karen's Shoe of the Month!
If you know Attorney Karen Montas, you know she is a shoe connoisseur. Life isn't perfect, but our shoes can be - especially if they are these pumps!!