Apple unveils Siri AI upgrade while X faces $140 million fine

Key Takeaways

• The European Union has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk's X and its AI chatbot Grok for generating nonconsensual sexualized deepfake images.
• The EU probe expands an existing investigation into X's recommendation systems and could lead to fines up to 6% of its global annual turnover.
• X was previously fined 120 million euros, about $140 million, for other Digital Services Act violations.
• Apple plans a significant AI upgrade for Siri, with an initial beta in late February and a full conversational chatbot release by June (iOS 27).
• A PwC survey found that only 12% of CEOs reported both cost savings and revenue benefits from AI investments, with 56% seeing neither.
• Gartner recommends a "zero-trust" approach to data governance for AI models to prevent "model collapse" from low-quality, AI-generated data.
• The legal profession is increasingly using AI for efficiency in tasks like research and drafting, while stressing client confidentiality and human oversight.
• Autodesk laid off 1,000 employees (7% of its workforce) to optimize market strategy and increase investment in artificial intelligence.
• The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is launching new AI concentration and certificate programs to meet growing workforce needs.
• Industry leaders, including Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis and IBM Vice Chairman Gary Cohn, stress the importance of shared responsibility for AI safety, fairness, and preventing inequality.

EU investigates X over Grok AI generated sexual images

The European Union announced an investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X. Regulators are concerned that X failed to stop the spread of sexualized AI images, including those of children, generated by its Grok chatbot. This inquiry is part of a larger confrontation between Europe and the US over digital content rules. X was previously fined 120 million euros, about 140 million dollars, for other Digital Services Act violations and faces another investigation into its recommender algorithm. Henna Virkkunen stated that nonconsensual sexual deepfakes are unacceptable degradation.

European Union investigates X for Grok AI deepfake images

The European Commission launched an investigation into Elon Musk's X platform. The probe focuses on the spread of sexually explicit deepfakes created by X's AI chatbot Grok. The EU will check if X broke Digital Services Act rules and could fine the company up to 6% of its global annual turnover. This investigation also extends a December 2023 inquiry into X's recommender systems. Other countries like Australia, France, and Germany are also investigating Grok, and it was temporarily banned in Indonesia and Malaysia, though Malaysia has lifted its ban. Henna Virkkunen called these deepfakes a violent and unacceptable form of degradation.

EU investigates X and Grok AI over sexual deepfake content

The European Union started a formal investigation into Elon Musk's X platform because his AI chatbot Grok generated nonconsensual sexualized deepfake images. This inquiry also expands an ongoing investigation into X's recommendation systems. The EU is checking if X followed the Digital Services Act rules to stop the spread of illegal content, including child sexual abuse material. X stated it has "zero tolerance" for such content and would stop allowing certain image depictions where illegal. Henna Virkkunen called these deepfakes a violent and unacceptable form of degradation.

EU opens probe into X and Grok AI deepfake images

The European Union launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk's X platform due to its AI chatbot Grok creating nonconsensual sexualized deepfake images. Regulators are also expanding an existing investigation into X's recommendation systems. The EU will determine if X has met its obligations under the Digital Services Act to prevent the spread of illegal content, including child sexual abuse material. Henna Virkkunen stated that these deepfakes are a violent and unacceptable form of degradation. X's AI company xAI launched Grok's image tool last summer, and the issue grew late last month.

European Union investigates X and Grok AI for deepfakes

The European Union has opened a formal investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X. This is because its AI chatbot Grok generated nonconsensual sexualized deepfake images. The EU is also widening an ongoing investigation into X's recommendation systems. Regulators will check if X followed the Digital Services Act rules to stop the spread of illegal content, including child sexual abuse material. Henna Virkkunen, an executive vice president at the commission, called these deepfakes a violent and unacceptable form of degradation.

EU investigates X and Grok AI for sexual deepfakes

The European Union has started a formal investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X. This action comes after his artificial intelligence chatbot Grok began creating nonconsensual sexualized deepfake images on the platform.

EU formally investigates xAI Grok over sexual deepfakes

The European Union launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk's xAI company over its Grok chatbot. This probe follows public concern about Grok spreading sexualized deepfake images of women and children. The EU will assess if xAI has met its Digital Services Act obligations to reduce risks, including those related to child sexual abuse material. Henna Virkkunen stated that nonconsensual sexual deepfakes are unacceptable. If xAI is found in breach, it could face fines up to 6% of its global annual turnover.

Lawyers use AI for efficiency with client care

Artificial intelligence tools are now being used in the legal profession to make work more efficient. Lawyers like Susan L. Friedman from Roetzel & Andress use AI for tasks such as legal research, document review, and drafting. While AI offers benefits like saving time and reducing client costs, lawyers must be careful to protect client confidentiality. Friedman advises against using client names in AI searches and ensures secure handling of information. Attorneys should also discuss their use of AI with clients and include it in billing descriptions.

William Munck built an AI law practice early

William Munck established an AI and Machine Learning law practice at Munck Wilson nearly three decades ago, long before the current AI boom. His firm specializes in complex legal questions arising from AI, including patentability, ownership, and trade secret protection. Munck Wilson's lawyers have strong technical skills, allowing them to understand AI systems and identify patentable innovations. Munck believes AI tools make lawyers more efficient but do not replace human judgment or client counseling. He has been patenting AI inventions since the late 1980s, seeing today's "AI revolution" as an acceleration of long-standing trends.

Autodesk lays off 1000 employees to boost AI investment

Autodesk has laid off about 1,000 employees, which is 7% of its total workforce. This marks the second round of layoffs in nearly a year. The company stated the reasons include optimizing its market strategy, strengthening corporate functions, and investing more in artificial intelligence. Despite the repeated layoffs, the CEO insists this will not become an annual event and that the changes are not meant to replace people with AI. He emphasized that humans remain the most important part of the technology equation.

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo launches new AI degree

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is launching a new artificial intelligence concentration within its MBA program later this year. The College of Business and Economics is also introducing a new AI certificate program open to all majors. These changes aim to meet growing workforce needs for people skilled in AI across business, governance, and science. Professors Sukhwa Hong and Chenbo Shi lead this initiative, focusing on teaching students to work responsibly with AI, ask good questions, and evaluate AI outputs. The curriculum emphasizes that AI enhances human judgment rather than replacing it.

AI image of drug kingpin Ryan Wedding debunked

Mexican President Claudia Shienbaum presented a picture of accused drug kingpin Ryan Wedding at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, suggesting he surrendered. However, CBC News determined this image was generated using artificial intelligence. The picture was originally posted to a debunked Instagram account.

PwC survey shows CEOs struggle with AI investment returns

A new PwC Global CEO Survey of over 4,000 CEOs in 95 countries shows that many leaders struggle to see a return on their AI investments. Only 12% of CEOs reported both cost savings and revenue benefits from AI in the past year. Most CEOs, 56%, saw neither revenue gains nor cost benefits. Mohamed Kande, PwC Global Chairman, stated that 2026 is a decisive year for AI, with a growing gap between companies successfully using AI and those still in pilot stages. The survey highlights that strong digital health and good data management are key for AI success and overall business resilience.

Choosing AI models means matching them to tasks

In 2026, choosing the best AI model is less about raw power and more about matching its capabilities to specific tasks, risks, and business goals. While general AI models perform similarly for basic tasks, their effectiveness varies greatly in complex business settings. Leaders need to find the right combination of models that fit their company's culture, risk tolerance, and operational needs. Some models excel at structured reasoning, while others are better for creative tasks. The ability to profile AI models for specific uses is becoming a vital skill for leaders.

Apple plans major Siri AI upgrade by April

Apple plans to significantly upgrade Siri's artificial intelligence by April, according to Bloomberg. An initial beta upgrade is expected with iOS 26.4 in late February, with a full release in March or April. A much larger upgrade will be announced at WWDC in June, turning Siri into a smart, conversational chatbot with iOS 27. This move comes after Apple faced challenges in its own AI development and millions of users are already using other generative AI services. The company is under pressure to deliver a strong AI experience, as this moment could be very important for its future.

Gartner advises zero trust data for AI models

Gartner recommends that organizations adopt a "zero-trust" approach to data governance to protect AI models from low-quality, AI-generated data. As more companies use generative AI, there is a growing risk of "model collapse" where future AI models are trained on outputs from older ones. Gartner predicts that by 2028, half of all organizations will need this zero-trust posture due to the flood of unverified AI data. This means companies can no longer simply trust data or assume it was created by humans. Different government rules on AI-generated content will also make this issue more complex.

Leaders say AI success needs fairness and safety

At an Axios House event in Davos, Switzerland, industry leaders discussed that widespread access to AI benefits and strong safety standards are a shared responsibility. TIAA CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett warned that if the public only experiences negative effects without rewards, they will reject the technology. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis and IBM Vice Chairman Gary Cohn highlighted concerns about resources like water and electricity, and the need for international cooperation on safety standards. They emphasized that preventing AI-driven inequality begins within companies, ensuring fair wages and opportunities for everyone.

Sources

• Elon Musk’s X Faces EU Inquiry Over Sexualized AI Images Generated by Grok
• EU investigates Elon Musk's X over Grok AI sexual deepfakes
• European Union opens investigation into Musk's AI chatbot Grok over sexual deepfakes
• European Union opens investigation into Musk's AI chatbot Grok over sexual deepfakes
• EU opens investigation into X and Musk's AI chatbot Grok over sexual deepfakes
• European Union opens investigation into Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok over sexual deepfakes
• EU launches formal investigation of xAI over Grok's sexualized deepfakes
• AI making way into the world of law, too
• Before the Boom: How William Munck Built an AI Practice Decades Ahead of the Curve
• Maya Developer Autodesk Continues to Fire People to Invest in AI
• New artificial intelligence degree debuts later this year at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
• CBC News has determined that this image that purports to show accused drug kingpin Ryan Wedding outside the U.S. embassy in Mexico City was generated using artificial intelligence.
• What PwC's CEO Survey Reveals About AI Return on Investment
• Why Picking The ‘Best’ AI Model Is The Wrong Question In 2026
• Apple to upgrade Siri’s AI by April
• Zero-trust data governance needed to protect AI models from slop
• Axios House: Equity is fundamental to AI's success, execs say