EU Considering ‘Very Large Platform’ Status for WhatsApp, FCC to Vote on New “Geofenced Variable Power” Wireless Devices for 6 GHz Wi-Fi, and Internet connectivity in Iran experienced a near-total collapse on Thursday.
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Show Notes
X Restricts Grok Image Generation After Deepfake Controversy
The social medial platform X has partially restricted Grok’s image generation function via the @grok reply to paying subscribers only, following controversy over the creation of nonconsensual, sexualized deepfakes. This restriction, however, is superficial, as all X users, including free ones, can still easily access Grok’s image creation and editing tools through the “Edit image” button, the standalone Grok website, and app. Critics view this limited measure as a failure by X and xAI to genuinely block the creation of illegal and harmful content, especially when compared to the stricter content guardrails enforced by other AI developers like Google and OpenAI.
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The Guardian
The Verge
EU Considers Designating WhatsApp a “Very Large Platform”
The European Commission is actively considering designating Meta’s WhatsApp messaging service as a “very large platform,” which would significantly increase its legal responsibilities for tackling illegal and harmful content, a move signaled after the service published user numbers exceeding the Digital Services Act threshold in February 2025. This potential recategorization, according to a commission spokesperson, is under review and would mandate stricter adherence to content moderation policies.
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Reuters
FCC Moves to Approve More Powerful 6 GHz Wi-Fi Devices
The FCC is scheduled to vote on January 29th to approve a new category of “Geofenced variable power (GVP)” wireless devices for the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, which can operate outdoors and at higher power levels. This move aims to support high-data-rate applications like AR/VR and automation while using geofencing to protect licensed services. Consumer advocates view this as a positive step for “better, faster Wi-Fi,” though a potential future auction of 6 GHz spectrum remains a concern. The FCC will also seek comment on increasing power for indoor-only devices.
Read More:
Ars Technica
Iran Experiences Near-Total Internet Blackout Amid Protests
Internet connectivity in Iran experienced a near-total collapse on Thursday, starting around 11:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (8 p.m. in Tehran), according to multiple web monitoring firms. This extensive internet blackout is attributed to the Iranian government, which is tightly controlling access amid a violent crackdown on nationwide protests that began in late December over currency devaluation, shortages, and dramatic price spikes. Experts described the country as “effectively completely offline.”
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TechCrunch
Nvidia Appoints Its First Chief Marketing Officer
Nvidia has hired former Google executive Alison Wagonfeld as its first Chief Marketing Officer, consolidating marketing and communications. Wagonfeld, who previously led marketing for Google Cloud, will report directly to CEO Jensen Huang starting in February. This new role addresses Nvidia’s growing marketing needs following unparalleled growth fueled by the demand for its AI chips since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, leading to a recent record $57 billion in sales.
Read More:
The Wall Street Journal
xAI Invests $20B in New Mississippi Data Center
xAI is investing over $20 billion to build a new data center in Southaven, Mississippi, to meet the high demand for generative AI and enhance its competition with rivals. Confirmed by Governor Tate Reeves and scheduled for a February 2026 launch, the facility is strategically located near a power plant and xAI’s existing Memphis data center. This expansion highlights the substantial capital costs for AI startups, with xAI having already spent $7.8 billion this year on hardware.
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Reuters
LG Energy Solution Posts Surprise Q4 Loss
South Korea’s largest battery maker, LG Energy Solution Ltd., announced a preliminary operating loss of 122 billion won ($83.8 million) for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31. This surprising loss, which missed analyst profit estimates of 33.1 billion won, darkens the outlook for the company due to the slow decline in electric vehicle demand across key markets. Despite missing estimates, the reported loss was an improvement compared to the 225.5 billion won loss recorded in the same period a year prior.
Read More:
Bloomberg
NASA Ends Crew-11 Mission Early Due to Medical Issue
NASA is prematurely ending the Crew-11 mission and returning the four astronauts immediately due to an unspecified medical issue with one crew member that requires Earth-based treatment. The decision, made late Thursday after a two-day spacewalk postponement, marks the ISS’s first medical evacuation. Officials confirm the astronaut is stable, the condition is not space-related, and privacy prevents identification. The station’s crew will drop to three until the expedited Crew-12 mission, underscoring the risks of long-duration spaceflight.
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The Register
Disney+ to Launch Short-Form Vertical Video Feed
Inspired by TikTok and Instagram Reels, Disney announced at CES 2026 it will launch short-form vertical video content on Disney+ in the U.S. this year. This strategy aims to increase daily engagement among younger users, mirroring similar features on the ESPN app and Netflix. Disney expects the personalized, dynamic experience featuring original content, repurposed clips, or scenes from shows/movies to establish Disney+ as a daily destination.
Read More:
TechCrunch