The European Commission is investigating Elon Musk's social media platform X and its AI chatbot Grok. This investigation focuses on claims about creating inappropriate deepfake images. The inquiry is part of the EU's Digital Services Act, which sets rules for technology companies.
Key Facts
The European Commission is looking into X and Grok, both linked to Elon Musk.
The investigation is about alleged sexually explicit deepfake images involving women and children.
Deepfake technology creates realistic fake images or videos using artificial intelligence.
The inquiry is under the EU's Digital Services Act, which regulates tech companies in the EU.
The European Union argues these investigations are to protect consumers.
There is tension between the EU and the Trump administration over the regulation of U.S. tech firms.
Freezing rain and ice led to over 210,000 people losing power in Nashville. This also caused major internet outages for Xfinity customers. Xfinity customers affected can check for outage credits through their support services.
Key Facts
Over 210,000 Nashville Electric Service (NES) customers lost power due to ice and fallen trees.
Xfinity reported internet outages in the affected area, though it didn't specify how many customers were impacted.
To restore internet, power must first be restored to both the customer's home and the local network.
Xfinity users can check the Xfinity app or website for outage status and restart equipment after power restoration.
Customers might be eligible for a bill credit during service outages, depending on conditions like cause and account history.
Nearly 300 NES lineworkers were planned to work on Monday to speed up power restoration.
Other regional utilities also reported outages, including Tri County Electric and CEMC.
Xfinity advises checking their site or app for service updates and using their assistant to apply for credits.
The second season of Netflix's live-action series "Avatar: The Last Airbender" will show a noticeably older Aang, as the actor Gordon Cormier has grown up since filming the first season. Season 2 will release in 2026, and Netflix has released its official trailer. The season includes a new character, Toph, played by Miya Cech.
Key Facts
Gordon Cormier, the actor for Aang, is older in season 2 due to filming seasons 2 and 3 back-to-back.
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" Season 2 will release in 2026, with no exact date announced yet.
Netflix released the trailer for Season 2 on December 10, 2025.
Miya Cech will play Toph, a blind earthbending character, in Season 2.
The main cast includes Gordon Cormier (Aang), Kiawentiio (Katara), Ian Ousley (Sokka), and others.
Season 2 will explore more action and emotional scenes according to the actor Cormier.
The character's wardrobe and appearance will reflect the older and more experienced Aang.
Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air because of dust, mold, pet dander, and chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and studies suggest that using air purifiers with HEPA filters can help clean indoor air and reduce health issues like allergies and asthma. It is important to choose air purifiers based on the size of the room and filter efficiency.
Key Facts
Indoor air can contain more pollutants than outside air, such as dust, mold, and pet hair.
The EPA notes that many people spend 90% of their time indoors.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters can reduce tiny particles that can cause health problems.
HEPA filters are designed to capture most small particles that can harm health.
The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) measures how effectively a purifier cleans the air.
Choosing the right air purifier depends on room size and CADR rating.
High-CADR models are recommended for larger rooms with more air cleaning needs.
Budget-friendly air purifiers are available for smaller rooms and still meet HEPA standards.
Two parents whose children died after exposure to harmful social media content worry that delays in banning social media for under-16s might harm more kids. The UK House of Lords has voted for this ban, and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall is starting a review to examine its potential impacts. Australia already has a similar ban, and countries around the world are observing its effects.
Key Facts
The UK House of Lords voted to ban social media use for children under 16, following a model set by Australia.
Bereaved mothers expressed concerns about delays in implementing the ban, fearing more children could be harmed.
The UK government will conduct a three-month consultation to evaluate the proposed social media ban.
Parents have filed lawsuits in the US against social media companies after their children's deaths linked to online challenges.
Ofcom, the UK online safety regulator, began new rules last year and is investigating over 90 platforms for compliance.
Australia blocks users under 16 from having social media accounts, aimed at protecting children from harmful online content.
Meta and other companies accept more actions are needed but question if an outright ban is the solution.
97% of 12-year-olds own smartphones, increasing the need for careful online safety measures.
Health experts say many people suffer neck and spine problems from looking down at laptops and devices, a condition often called "tech neck." To prevent this, they suggest adjusting the screen height so it's at eye level and doing specific stretches to ease any pain.
Key Facts
"Tech neck" happens when people feel pain or stiffness in their neck and shoulders from poor posture while using technology.
The Mayo Clinic Health System describes tech neck as chronic neck or shoulder pain linked to using phones or computers.
Younger people are experiencing tech neck problems more frequently as they use screens from a young age.
Many children get their first smartphone by ages 12 to 13, and one in five by age nine.
Experts recommend stretching exercises like chin tucks to avoid tech neck issues.
Raising the screen to eye level with a laptop stand or monitor can reduce neck strain.
Various products, such as adjustable laptop stands and standing desks, help improve posture by bringing screens to the right level.
The United States and China agreed to let TikTok keep operating in the U.S. by forming a new company partly owned by U.S. investors. This agreement aims to ease national security concerns that previously caused discussions about banning the app.
Key Facts
TikTok's future in the U.S. faced uncertainty over security concerns for almost six years.
The U.S. and China created a joint venture to address these concerns.
U.S. investors will have control over the new TikTok entity.
This agreement allows over 200 million U.S. users to keep using TikTok.
The debate focused on whether TikTok posed a risk to U.S. national security.
The deal aims to satisfy political concerns in the U.S. regarding TikTok.
Police departments are using artificial intelligence (AI) to help solve cold cases and conduct investigations more efficiently. AI tools are helping detectives quickly search through large amounts of evidence, like interviews and photos, to find important information. Although AI speeds up detective work, some groups worry about privacy and fairness issues.
Key Facts
Police are using AI to manage and analyze large amounts of evidence in cold cases.
AI tools are used to review jail calls, interviews, social media, photos, and documents faster.
Anchorage Police Department signed a five-year contract for the Closure AI tool to assist in investigations.
Redmond and Wyomissing Police Departments use the Longeye AI tool for similar purposes.
AI software helps translate and analyze evidence in different languages, aiding investigators.
Almost 70% of investigators report not having enough time to check all digital data in their cases.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warns about potential risks of bias and reliability with AI use in criminal justice.
AI is designed to help, not replace, detectives, ensuring human verification of its findings.
A woman named Charlotte Sterling from Memphis, Tennessee, who lost her vision due to genetic eye diseases, has gained independence using AI-powered glasses. The glasses help her recognize everyday items, read descriptions, and understand her surroundings by using artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
Charlotte Sterling began losing her vision at 17 due to Stargardt's disease.
At 64, she is almost completely blind and can only see light and dark.
She also has retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma, which further impair her eyesight.
Charlotte's daughter, actress Kat Conner Sterling, supports her alongside her husband.
In January 2026, Charlotte started using Meta Skyler Gen 2 AI glasses.
The glasses can identify items, read text, and describe environments, helping her regain some independence.
Charlotte's story, shared by her daughter on TikTok, received over 1.2 million views.
The glasses have an eight-hour battery life with a backup of 48 hours from a charging case.
Netflix postponed a live special event featuring climber Alex Honnold due to rain making conditions unsafe to climb Taipei 101 in Taiwan. The climb is now set to air on Saturday, January 24, adjusted for better weather.
Key Facts
The live event, called Skyscraper Live, features Alex Honnold climbing Taipei 101 without ropes.
Rain in Taipei made the building too slippery, causing the postponement.
Netflix rescheduled the climb for Saturday, January 24, at 8 p.m. ET.
Honnold is known for climbing El Capitan without safety gear.
The live broadcast will have a delay as a safety measure.
Honnold and his fans emphasized the importance of safety in this decision.
TikTok's new business venture in the U.S. will now collect precise location data from users if they choose to allow it. This change is part of an updated privacy policy following a deal with ByteDance, the Chinese firm that owns TikTok. The joint venture, involving companies like Oracle, aims to secure U.S. user data amid ongoing concerns about data privacy.
Key Facts
TikTok in the U.S. can now collect precise location data if users enable it in their settings.
A privacy policy update follows a deal with TikTok's owner, ByteDance, and U.S investors.
Oracle leads the joint venture and will manage data security and privacy.
The U.S. government required TikTok to separate its American business due to security worries.
Oracle will place TikTok's data and recommendation algorithm in its U.S. cloud.
The deal ensures greater control over American user data to address national security concerns.
ByteDance remains a minority stakeholder with less than 20% ownership.
Concerns continue about potential Chinese influence over TikTok's U.S. operations.
The article discusses technological advancements in farming across Australia, focusing on innovations that improve seeds, grains, and crops. It also highlights recent consumer tech trends from CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
Key Facts
The article features advancements in agricultural technology in Australia.
Tech innovations discussed aim to improve seeds, grains, and crops.
The article includes highlights from CES 2026, a major tech event in Las Vegas.
CES 2026 showcases trends and innovations in consumer technology.
The program includes discussions on various tech topics such as space exploration, AI, and sustainable mining practices.
The article discusses how Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) models are increasingly being used by companies like Pinterest and Airbnb to enhance their services, often due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility. Chinese models, such as DeepSeek and Alibaba's Qwen, are popular because they are open-source and customizable, unlike many proprietary U.S. models. A Stanford University report noted that Chinese AI models may have caught up or even surpassed some global competitors.
Key Facts
Pinterest uses Chinese AI models like DeepSeek to improve its recommendation systems.
Chinese AI models are open-source, meaning companies can freely access and adapt them.
Pinterest reports its customized models are 30% more accurate while being cheaper than many U.S. proprietary models.
Companies like Airbnb also use Chinese AI models, citing them as good, fast, and affordable.
Hugging Face, an AI model-sharing platform, frequently has Chinese models as the most downloaded ones.
A Stanford University report suggests Chinese AI models may now match or exceed the capabilities of global competitors.
Big tech companies are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI), but there are worries about whether AI will meet expectations. Some experts warn that if AI falls short, it could affect the world economy. People, especially younger ones, have different opinions on the future impact of AI.
Key Facts
Tech companies are putting a lot of money into AI.
Economists say there is a risk that AI might not deliver as expected.
Concerns exist about the potential negative effects on the global economy if AI underperforms.
Younger people online have mixed opinions on AI's future role.
Some hope that any setbacks might reduce excessive corporate spending.
The article features insights from an analyst and a content creator.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it will ease regulations on wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness bands. This change will help these devices come to market faster by not requiring the same long approval process needed for medical-grade equipment. Industry leaders discussed the implications of this decision at a Newsweek event.
Key Facts
The FDA will reduce regulations on consumer wearable devices to speed up their market availability.
This decision was announced on January 6 and affects devices such as Apple Watches and Fitbits.
The move allows certain wearables to skip the lengthy review process required for medical-grade devices.
Industry panelists at a Newsweek event debated the pros and cons of this regulatory change.
Concerns were raised about ensuring reliable "post-market surveillance" to safeguard clinical integrations.
The demand for wearables is rising, with nearly one-third of Americans owning such devices.
AI advancements have accelerated the development of sophisticated wearable technology.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary confirmed that devices providing simple information can bypass regulation unless they claim medical-grade accuracy.
TikTok announced a new deal that lets it keep operating in the United States. The deal involves a new American-controlled company and changes in how TikTok handles user data in the U.S. Users might notice some changes, but major disruptions are unlikely.
Key Facts
TikTok has formed a new entity called TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, owned mainly by American investors.
The new U.S. entity has seven directors, including TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew.
TikTok's algorithm, which picks which videos to show users, has been licensed to Oracle, a U.S. tech company.
Oracle will oversee TikTok's U.S. user data and its content recommendation algorithm.
TikTok updated its terms of service for U.S. users, now linking them to the new American entity.
Children under 13 can only use TikTok's "Under 13 Experience."
Users must agree to limitations of generative AI, acknowledging potential risks such as inaccurate content.
TikTok has about 200 million users in the U.S., which is its largest global market.
A new trailer for the upcoming DC Universe film "Supergirl" has been released, featuring Jason Momoa as the villain Lobo. Lobo is an alien bounty hunter trying to find Supergirl, played by Milly Alcock. James Gunn, who is producing the movie, has shared the teaser that shows much of the action and Momoa’s new role.
Key Facts
Jason Momoa is cast as the villain Lobo in the new "Supergirl" movie.
Lobo is an alien bounty hunter known for causing trouble for Superman and his allies.
Milly Alcock stars as Supergirl, who is Superman's cousin, named Kara Zor-El.
James Gunn is producing the film, but not directing or writing it.
The trailer shows scenes with Lobo, including him riding his iconic motorcycle and using his chainhook weapon.
The movie follows the storyline from Gunn's previous film "Superman."
The plot details of "Supergirl" are limited, but it involves Lobo hunting Kryptonians.
There is potential for more crossover characters in the film, including possibly the Justice Society.
Season 3 of the anime "Jujutsu Kaisen" is currently airing. Episode 5 will be available for streaming on Crunchyroll on January 29, 2026. A paid subscription to Crunchyroll is required to watch it.
Key Facts
"Jujutsu Kaisen" Season 3, Episode 5 will stream on January 29, 2026.
The episode will be available at 9am Pacific Time (PT) and 12pm Eastern Time (ET).
Viewers worldwide can access the episode through Crunchyroll.
A Crunchyroll Premium subscription is needed to watch new episodes.
Subscription costs for Crunchyroll Premium start at $7.99 per month.
Episodes in this series typically run for about 23 minutes.
New episodes are released weekly on Thursdays.
The total number of episodes for Season 3 is not yet confirmed.
Alex Honnold, a famous climber known for climbing steep surfaces without safety equipment, plans to climb the Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes or protection. The climb will be streamed live on Netflix, marking the first time Honnold attempts to climb a building instead of a natural rock formation.
Key Facts
Alex Honnold is famous for "free soloing," which means climbing without ropes or protective gear.
Honnold will climb Taipei 101, a 1,667-foot skyscraper in Taiwan, without any safety equipment.
This is Honnold's first attempt at climbing a skyscraper rather than a natural rock formation.
The climb is scheduled to be shown live on Netflix on January 23.
Honnold previously gained fame for climbing El Capitan, a 3,000-foot rock in Yosemite National Park.
Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world but is now surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Honnold mentioned that climbing a building presents a different challenge from rock climbing because of the building's structure.
TikTok announced a new American-controlled ownership to comply with a U.S. Executive Order, causing some users to delete their accounts. This change comes after concerns over TikTok’s ties to its Chinese parent company ByteDance, with the new structure aimed at strengthening national security measures.
Key Facts
TikTok announced the creation of TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, a new American-controlled entity.
This change follows a 2025 Executive Order from President Donald Trump demanding stricter national security measures.
The goal is to protect U.S. user data and enhance algorithm and content moderation safety.
More than 200 million Americans and 7.5 million businesses use TikTok.
Despite reassurances, some users are deleting their accounts, expressing distrust of the new ownership.
TikTok has faced scrutiny over concerns that its Chinese owner, ByteDance, could misuse user data.
