Latest stories from this desk, published newest first.
European regulators have opened a formal investigation into X over alleged failures to prevent AI-generated sexual deepfakes linked to Grok. The inquiry tests how the EU’s Digital Services Act applies when generative AI tools amplify illegal or non-consensual content.
SpaceX planned a Falcon 9 mission to deliver the GPS III-9 satellite to medium-Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral, with a late-evening launch window and a backup opportunity the following night. The first stage was expected to attempt a droneship landing in the Atlantic.
CES 2026 opened with a wave of AI and chip announcements led by Nvidia, AMD and Intel, while robot demonstrations and autonomous-vehicle concepts underscored the industry’s push to move AI from screens into machines and services.
Apple is expected to announce a Siri upgrade in late February that leverages Google’s Gemini models, a step seen as a bridge to a larger overhaul planned for later this year.
A bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative and expand federal support for quantum research, workforce development, and real-world applications, including potential new roles for NASA and new quantum centers.
CoreWeave shares jumped after Nvidia disclosed a $2 billion investment tied to expanding large-scale AI data-center capacity, underscoring intensifying demand for “AI factories” and the infrastructure required to run them.
Georgia lawmakers are considering a bill to pause new datacenter construction as states debate how to regulate AI-era infrastructure that can strain power grids, water resources, and local budgets.
Apple’s CEO signaled continued work on new Apple Intelligence capabilities, including a more personalized Siri and developer-facing tools, emphasizing privacy and on-device or Private Cloud Compute processing.
Georgia lawmakers are considering a statewide moratorium on new data centers as public concern grows over electricity demand, water use, and tax incentives tied to AI-era infrastructure. The proposal reflects a broader trend of states grappling with how to regulate data center expansion while balancing economic development and consumer costs.
Intel unveiled its Core Ultra Series 3 processors at CES 2026, calling them the first compute platform built on Intel 18A. The company says the chips will power more than 200 PC designs and deliver major gains in performance, graphics, and battery life, with systems starting January 27.
European Union regulators have launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s platform X after its Grok chatbot enabled creation of nonconsensual sexualized deepfake images. The probe will assess compliance with the Digital Services Act and also expands scrutiny of X’s recommendation systems, as the company integrates Grok more deeply into how content is surfaced.
A crowded earnings calendar for leading technology companies is sharpening investor focus on AI-driven capital spending, cloud momentum, advertising trends and guidance for the rest of 2026.