Elon Musk’s X has limited the image editing functions of its Grok AI tool after criticism over the creation of sexualised images of real people.
The platform said technological safeguards have been introduced to block such content in regions where it is illegal, following growing concern from governments and regulators.
UK officials described the move as a positive step, although regulatory scrutiny remains ongoing.
Authorities are examining whether X complied with existing laws, while similar investigations have been launched in the US amid broader concerns over the misuse of AI-generated imagery.
International pressure has continued to build, with some countries banning Grok entirely instead of waiting for platform-led restrictions.
Policy experts have welcomed stronger controls but questioned how effectively X can identify real individuals and enforce its updated rules across different jurisdictions.
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At General Wolfe School and other Winnipeg classrooms, students are using AI tools to help with tasks such as translating language and understanding complex terms, with teachers guiding them on how to verify AI-generated information against reliable sources.
Teachers are cautious but optimistic, developing a thinking framework that prioritises critical thinking and human judgement alongside AI use rather than rigid policies as the technology evolves.
Educators in the Winnipeg School Division are adapting teaching methods to incorporate AI while discouraging over-reliance, stressing that students should use AI as an aid rather than a substitute for learning.
This reflects broader discussions in education about how to balance innovation with foundational skills as AI becomes more commonplace in school environments.
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The tech giant, IBM, has announced IBM Sovereign Core, a new software offering designed to help organisations deploy and manage AI-ready environments under sovereign control.
The product addresses growing regulatory and governance requirements as enterprises and governments seek greater authority over data, infrastructure and AI operations.
Digital sovereignty, according to IBM, extends beyond where data is stored and includes who controls systems, how access is governed and under which jurisdiction AI workloads operate.
IBM Sovereign Core is positioned as a foundational software layer that embeds sovereignty into operations instead of applying controls after deployment.
Built on Red Hat’s open-source technologies, the software enables customer-operated control planes, in-jurisdiction identity management and continuous compliance reporting. AI workloads, including inference and model hosting, can be governed locally without exporting data to external providers.
IBM plans to offer the software across on-premises environments, in-region cloud infrastructure and through selected service providers.
A technology preview is expected to begin in February, with full general availability planned for mid-2026.
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TSMC reported a strong fourth-quarter performance, posting a 35 percent rise in profit to a record level, supported by sustained demand for advanced chips.
The company forecast robust growth for 2026, citing continued customer interest and tight capacity, while highlighting expectations for a significant increase in revenue in the first quarter of the year.
The Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer confirmed that capital spending reached US$40.9 billion in 2025, slightly above earlier guidance, and indicated further increases ahead, with investment potentially rising to as much as US$56 billion in 2026 and accelerating later in the decade.
Ongoing projects include additional manufacturing capacity in the US, expansion in Japan, and continued investment in Taiwan.
TSMC also signalled that more US facilities may be planned, following earlier commitments to large-scale investment in Arizona.
Developments come amid discussions between Taiwan and the US on trade and tariffs, as well as broader policy efforts in Washington to encourage domestic semiconductor production.
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France’s health watchdog has warned that social media harms adolescent mental health, particularly among younger girls. The assessment is based on a five-year scientific review of existing research.
ANSES said online platforms amplify harmful pressures, cyberbullying and unrealistic beauty standards. Experts found that girls, LGBT youths and vulnerable teens face higher psychological risks.
France is debating legislation to ban social media access for children under 15. President Emmanuel Macron supports stronger age restrictions and platform accountability.
The watchdog urged changes to algorithms and default settings to prioritise child well-being. Similar debates have emerged globally following Australia’s introduction of a teenage platform ban.
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AI is no longer confined to chatbots and content tools. In the food and beverage sector, companies are utilising advanced AI systems to forecast consumer trends, expedite product development, and explore new ingredients for future products.
Mars, the multinational behind brands such as Dolmio, Pedigree, and Mars bars, is using AI to support its health and sustainability goals. Darren Logan, vice president of research at the Mars Advanced Research Institute, said the company is exploring plant compounds and alternative proteins.
Fermentation is also expanding Mars’ ingredient research by generating new chemical compounds through interactions between plants and microbes. Logan said combining plants with microbes increases chemical diversity, producing substances that would not otherwise exist.
The chocolate manufacturer partnered with UC Davis spin-out PIPA and its AI research platform LEAP to support this work. The system constructs knowledge graphs utilising scientific literature, databases, and the company’s proprietary data to establish connections between ingredients, microbes, and human health.
Logan said the platform helps reduce the time and cost of experimentation by guiding researchers towards more promising test options. Human oversight remains central to every AI-assisted decision.
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Gadget makers face rising costs as AI drives intense demand for memory chips. Supplies of DRAM and storage components have tightened across global markets.
Manufacturers have shifted production towards AI data centres, squeezing availability for consumer devices. Analysts warn the memory shortage could extend well into next year.
Higher prices are already affecting laptops, smartphones and connected devices. Some companies are redesigning products or limiting features to manage the costs of chip components.
Industry experts say engineers are writing leaner software to reduce memory use. The AI surge is marking the end of an era of cheap and abundant memory.
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The UK government has dropped plans for mandatory digital ID for workers. Ministers say existing right-to-work checks will be digitised instead.
Labour had argued compulsory digital ID would curb illegal working and fraud in the UK. Under the revised plan, checks will become fully online by 2029, without the need for a new standalone ID system.
The reversal follows a political backlash, collapsing public support and concern among Labour MPs. Keir Starmer faced criticism over unclear messaging and repeated recent policy U-turns.
Ministers say platforms like Gov.uk One Login remain central to reform. Regulators, including Ofcom, continue to oversee digital compliance and worker protections.
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The robotics company Agibot has launched a series of Asia-Pacific strategic initiatives for 2026 with a high-profile event in Malaysia, signalling its push to expand embodied AI and robotics across the region.
The launch, held at i-City in Selangor, was attended by executives, Malaysian government officials, partners, and customers. It also marked the opening of the first AI and Robotics Experience Centre in Malaysia.
The centre was developed in partnership with I-Bhd and officiated by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang. Agibot said the facility will showcase real-world applications of humanoid robotics.
Founder and CEO of Agibot, Deng Taihua, said the company produced its 5,000th humanoid robot in 2025, strengthening its position as it begins regional expansion in 2026.
The firm plans to deploy its systems across property, hospitality, tourism, and urban services, while its partnership with I-Bhd will focus on wellness, longevity, and residential robotics.
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A Grok-powered AI support tool has been added to Starlink’s website, expanding automated help for broadband users. The chatbot builds on a similar service already available through the company’s mobile app.
Users can access the chatbot via the checkout support page, receiving a link by email. Responses are limited to Starlink services and usually appear within several seconds.
The system is designed to streamline support for millions of users worldwide, including rural UK customers. Public opinion remains divided over the growing reliance on AI instead of human support staff.
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