Elon Musk stated he was unaware of the Grok chatbot creating inappropriate images of minors and emphasized that Grok is designed to follow legal practices. The AI tool is under scrutiny worldwide, with some countries banning it and others calling for its removal from app stores.
Key Facts
Elon Musk responded to allegations about inappropriate content from the Grok chatbot.
Grok is developed by Musk's company, xAI, and is included on X (a social media platform).
Musk mentioned Grok is intended to reject illegal requests and obey local laws.
There is a global push, including government investigations and advocacy groups, to ban or remove Grok from app stores.
Three U.S. senators and various groups have called for the removal of Grok due to concerns over explicit content.
The United Kingdom plans to criminalize the creation of inappropriate images with AI.
Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked Grok and are taking legal action against the companies involved.
Scientists at Tufts University created a healthier sweetener called tagatose using engineered bacteria and slime mold enzymes. Tagatose is nearly as sweet as sugar but has fewer calories, making it a promising alternative for people who need to manage blood sugar levels. It also has potential health benefits for teeth and gut bacteria.
Key Facts
Tufts University researchers developed a sugar alternative called tagatose.
Tagatose is 92% as sweet as regular sugar but has about 60% fewer calories.
The new method uses engineered Escherichia coli bacteria and slime mold enzymes.
Traditional methods of making tagatose are expensive and inefficient.
Tagatose is minimally absorbed, impacting blood sugar levels less than regular sugar.
It may prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
The U.S. FDA considers tagatose as "generally recognized as safe."
This method could lead to wider use of tagatose and other rare sugars.
Wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers are becoming common in the U.S., with many people willing to share data from these devices with healthcare providers. Newsweek is hosting a webinar to discuss how these devices impact health systems and their potential benefits and challenges.
Key Facts
Wearable technology includes devices like Apple Watches and Fitbits.
Almost one-third of Americans use wearable devices.
Over 80% of users are okay sharing their wearable data with healthcare professionals.
Health systems are investing in programs using these devices to monitor patients' health.
Wearables track various health metrics like heart rate and sleep patterns.
New data from wearables can strain healthcare systems and require updated technology and staffing.
The FDA announced fewer regulations on wearables for health and wellness in January.
Newsweek will host a webinar on January 22 to discuss the return on investment (ROI) for health systems using wearables.
The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has stated that Elon Musk's platform, X, is working to follow UK laws after issues with its AI tool, Grok, which creates inappropriate deepfake images. There has been backlash over these images, leading Ofcom to start an investigation and the UK government to consider stronger laws against non-consensual deepfakes. The government has warned X could face strict penalties if it does not comply.
Key Facts
Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, says X aims to follow UK law concerning deepfake images made by its AI, Grok.
The images involved are sexualized and digitally alter people's bodies without their consent.
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has begun an investigation into X.
UK laws could be strengthened to criminalize the creation of non-consensual deepfakes further.
If X is found to break the law, it may face fines or even be blocked in the UK.
X has a policy against using Grok for illegal content and promises consequences for violations.
A new app called Sileme has become popular in China by helping people living alone stay safe. The app alerts an emergency contact if the user doesn’t check in daily. It was developed by Moonscape Technologies and has gained attention for its unique concept and potential to provide peace of mind.
Key Facts
Sileme is an app designed for people living alone in China.
It alerts an emergency contact if the user fails to check in for two days.
The app launched in mid-2025 and quickly became a top downloaded app.
Users have requested features like SMS alerts and faster notifications.
Sileme was developed for about 1,000 yuan ($140) by a team of three Gen Z creators.
The app costs $1.15 and has been profitable, with a 200-fold increase in downloads.
The developers plan to sell part of the company, valuing it at $1.4 million.
An international version, Demumu, is planned, but its success is still uncertain.
Elon Musk stated that he was not aware of any illegal images involving minors created by the Grok chatbot from xAI. There is increasing pressure on platforms like Apple and Google to remove Grok, while some countries have taken legal steps against it.
Key Facts
Elon Musk said Grok does not generate illegal images unless requested by users.
Users who create illegal content face consequences similar to those for uploading such material.
Three U.S. senators have asked Apple and Google to remove Grok from their platforms.
Women's groups and advocacy organizations have expressed concerns about Grok.
X has reduced Grok's ability to publicly generate or edit images.
New U.K. law will make creating illegal images a criminal act, and X aims to comply.
Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked Grok and are pursuing legal actions against xAI.
Experts warn that measures like paywalls might not fully restrict access to advanced tools.
The article discusses how security measures for artificial intelligence (AI) systems are struggling to keep up with the rapid advancements in AI technology. As AI systems become more independent, traditional security methods are proving inadequate, and there's a growing need for new ways to manage and protect these systems continuously.
Key Facts
AI systems are becoming more autonomous, making security management more difficult.
Automated intrusions can occur faster than before, challenging traditional security checks.
AI agents operate differently from human employees, making security oversight more complex.
Machine identity, crucial for AI agents, often lacks proper management, leading to security risks.
Employees creating their own AI systems can inadvertently create security vulnerabilities.
Security frameworks now need to focus on continuous monitoring instead of periodic checks.
The article emphasizes that AI isn't inherently insecure, but security methods must evolve.
The trailer for "Euphoria" Season 3 was leaked online before HBO Max officially released it. Fans reacted strongly to the new footage, which shows the characters from the show as adults.
Key Facts
A leaked video of "Euphoria" Season 3 appeared online before the official trailer was on HBO Max.
The leaked trailer was shared on platforms like Reddit and X (previously known as Twitter).
Both the leaked and official trailers show that the characters have aged and are now young adults.
The series stars Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, and Sydney Sweeney.
Key scenes in the trailer include a wedding sequence involving Cassie and Nate.
The official trailer release has increased fan interest as it is the first new footage since 2022.
A new mobile game show on Netflix called Best Guess Live lets players win cash prizes by solving puzzles on their smartphones. The game is live every weeknight, and tonight's prize is $30,000. Participants must quickly guess the correct answer to win, and the prize is split among those who guess correctly first.
Key Facts
Best Guess Live is a mobile game show on Netflix that players can join using a special app.
The show runs live every weeknight at 8 p.m. ET.
Tonight's special prize for "Wild Wednesday" is $30,000.
Players solve puzzles based on clues about people, places, or things.
Participants have one guess per puzzle, with up to five clues for guidance.
The faster participants answer correctly, the bigger their share of the prize.
Around 80,000 people play each night.
Winnings are claimed through PayPal after setting up payment details in the app.
The U.S. F-35 stealth jet program has reached important milestones in aircraft delivery and component production. Lockheed Martin delivered 191 jets in 2025, while Northrop Grumman produced 1,500 center fuselages, boosting the program's scale.
Key Facts
The F-35 program involves 20 countries, including the U.S., Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and the U.K.
Lockheed Martin delivered 191 F-35 jets in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 142.
Northrop Grumman delivered the 1,500th center fuselage for assembly.
The F-35 can avoid radar detection and comes in three models: A (runway), B (short takeoff/landing), and C (aircraft carrier).
The program has delivered nearly 1,300 jets worldwide.
Annual production of the F-35 is five times faster than any other allied fighter jet.
The global F-35 fleet achieved over 1 million flight hours by 2025.
Northrop Grumman is building a new assembly line in Germany to meet demand.
A millennial parent was surprised to find out that their Amazon Echo had saved hundreds of voice recordings without their knowledge. Their 20-year-old daughter warned them about the device, leading them to remove all Echo devices from their home. Amazon stated that users can manage how their data is stored or deleted and provides tools to control privacy settings.
Key Facts
A millennial parent found hundreds of voice recordings saved on their Amazon Echo.
The parent's 20-year-old daughter advised unplugging the Echo device due to privacy concerns.
The recordings saved on the Echo were discovered through the Alexa app.
The parent removed all Echo devices from their home after learning about the data.
Amazon stated that users can choose whether to save voice recordings and offers privacy controls.
The Alexa Privacy dashboard allows users to manage and delete their recordings.
The story was shared on Reddit, quickly becoming popular with over 32,000 upvotes.
A Workday survey found that while AI is speeding up tasks, it also creates more work due to errors that need fixing. The majority of employees experience some time savings with AI, but end up spending part of that time fixing mistakes. Although AI holds potential for increasing productivity, many are not seeing consistent positive outcomes yet.
Key Facts
A survey by Workday found that 85% of employees felt AI saved them 1-7 hours a week.
37% of the saved time is used to correct AI errors, called "rework."
Only 14% of respondents reported consistently positive results from AI.
Workday surveyed 3,200 employees using AI in large companies in North America, Europe, and Asia.
The survey did not specify which AI software or companies were involved.
CEOs anticipate layoffs in the next five years due to AI despite lacking current productivity gains.
Some niche areas show productivity benefits from AI, but overall gains are not yet evident.
AI tools, like those from Anthropic, are rapidly improving and could solve these issues soon.
Scientists at Stanford University have identified five key habits for young adults to support long-term health. These habits include regular exercise, healthy eating, proper sleep, stress management, and consistent movement.
Key Facts
Researchers at Stanford University identified exercise, diet, sleep, and stress management as crucial for young adults' health.
Strength training is recommended to maintain muscle and bone health.
Regular movement and reducing time spent sitting are important for preventing diseases and extending life.
A Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of plants, whole grains, and healthy fats, is advised for overall health.
Sufficient sleep (7-9 hours per night) is essential for maintaining health in young adults.
Aerobic exercises like walking can reduce the risk of several diseases.
Making healthier food choices has become easier with more readily available nutritious options.
Travelers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to plan and book vacations. Research shows that many travelers trust AI for recommendations, using it to save time and make decisions easier. While AI helps narrow choices, travelers still check other sources for confirmation before booking.
Key Facts
Nearly 80% of those using AI tools have booked trips based on AI recommendations.
AI is used to narrow travel choices, set budgets, and make decisions quicker.
Users of AI in travel often return to it for future planning due to time savings.
Travelers use AI as a starting point but verify choices with reviews and other trusted sources.
Despite rising trust, travelers still worry about outdated information and generic AI results.
Real-time accuracy and privacy concerns are important to travelers not yet using AI.
AI tools are becoming more integral in the travel planning process, moving from a nice-to-have to a must-have resource.
The popular video game "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" released its 3.0 update a day early, available now for download on Nintendo Switch systems. The update adds new features like resort hotel decorations and collaborative island building. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will release on January 15, 2025, with enhanced graphics and special features for an upgrade fee.
Key Facts
The 3.0 update for "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" was released a day early.
The update is available for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
New features include resort hotel decorations and a creative "Slumber Island" mode.
Players can decorate islands together and share creations online.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game releases on January 15, 2025, in the US.
Upgrading from Switch to Switch 2 Edition costs $5 for existing players.
The Switch 2 Edition supports 4K resolution in docked mode.
Added collaborations feature items from Lego and other franchises.
A Chinese app originally named "Sileme," which translates to "Are You Dead?" in English, is changing its name to "Demumu" for global use. The app, designed for people living alone, provides safety notifications by alerting an emergency contact if the user doesn’t check in for several days. It became popular in China and reached the top of Apple's paid app chart, introducing a small subscription fee due to high demand.
Key Facts
The app "Sileme" is changing its name to "Demumu" for international release.
It's designed to help people living alone by sending alerts if the user doesn't check in.
The app requires users to set up one emergency contact.
It recently became very popular in China and was the top paid app on Apple's chart.
The app started charging a small fee to help cover costs due to increased popularity.
China is reported to have around 200 million one-person households.
The app costs about $1.15 to download from the App Store.
The app helps reassure unmarried individuals living alone.
A survey of corporate executives reveals that most view AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, with many expecting it to improve productivity and decision-making. Despite positive views, many organizations have not fully integrated AI into their work, and some worry about data security and hype. AI adoption varies by industry, with manufacturing having higher usage and healthcare seeing less value so far.
Key Facts
87% of executives see AI as an opportunity; only 2% view it as a threat.
AI is expected to improve productivity and allow focus on creative tasks.
60% of organizations report 20% or less of their work is AI-supported.
Manufacturing uses more AI compared to other industries, such as healthcare.
15% of respondents have not seen value from AI investments yet.
Executives have concerns about data security when using AI tools.
AI is most valued for tasks like data analysis and marketing.
AI's impact is broader than some headlines suggest, with ongoing integration challenges.
Elon Musk announced that starting February 14, Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system will only be available through a monthly subscription, ending the option to purchase it upfront. This change aligns with ongoing regulatory scrutiny and updates in Tesla's autonomous driving features.
Key Facts
Elon Musk is making a big change to Tesla's FSD feature.
After February 14, customers cannot buy FSD outright.
FSD will only be available as a subscription service.
Currently, the FSD subscription costs $99 per month.
Previously, customers could buy FSD for $8,000.
This move happens as regulators focus more on self-driving features.
The US government has allowed Nvidia to sell its H200 AI chips to China, but with certain conditions. President Trump has approved the sales to "approved customers" in China, with a 25% fee going to the US government. The decision comes as part of ongoing competition between the US and China in technology.
Key Facts
The US approved Nvidia's sale of H200 chips to China.
Nvidia's H200 is an advanced AI chip but is not as advanced as their Blackwell processor.
The decision allows sales if there is enough supply of the chips in the US.
President Trump announced the sales would include a 25% fee to the US government.
The Blackwell processor, Nvidia's most advanced chip, is still not allowed for sale in China.
China and the US are in a technology competition, particularly concerning AI.
Nvidia seeks to expand sales globally, emphasizing competitiveness in the AI field.
Some US officials worry the chips could aid China's military capabilities.
The article discusses the potential shift from large data centers to smaller, localized data centers and powerful personal devices that might handle AI tasks. Some tech leaders believe that future technology could process AI tasks on devices like smartphones rather than relying entirely on large data centers. Despite this possibility, large data centers continue to be built around the world due to current demands.
Key Facts
Large data centers are currently essential for many online services and AI processing.
Some experts believe future AI tools might run directly on personal devices like smartphones.
Apple's devices already use some on-device AI processing to enhance speed and security.
Most current consumer devices lack the capacity for advanced AI processing on-device.
Some smaller data centers have been used innovatively, like heating a swimming pool using waste heat.
There are ongoing concerns about the environmental impact of large data centers.
Smaller "edge" data centers close to population centers could reduce data latency and improve response times.
Tech companies continue investing in both large and small-scale data center solutions.
