Google Hosts Grok App Alongside ChatGPT Powered Toys

As 2026 approaches, artificial intelligence is poised to redefine various sectors, from global economies to everyday consumer products, while simultaneously presenting significant security challenges. Techstrong has even named AI its "Person of the Year" for 2026, underscoring its pervasive influence. The global economy is anticipated to become "AI-native," with autonomous AI agents potentially outnumbering human workers, necessitating a shift in cybersecurity strategies from reactive to proactive. The growing integration of AI has heightened security concerns across industries. A World Economic Forum survey indicates that nearly two-thirds of business leaders now identify security risks within their AI tools, a notable increase from the previous year. While 64 percent of organizations meet basic cyber resilience standards, only 19 percent go beyond these foundational measures. Experts predict AI will be the primary driver of cybersecurity changes in 2026, increasing vulnerabilities, with data leaks and advanced adversarial attacks being top concerns. Palo Alto Networks suggests identity will become the main battleground, facing threats like AI-generated deepfakes and "CEO doppelgängers." This concern extends to national security, with a webinar scheduled to discuss AI's risks and the need for human-AI collaboration in managing complex threats. Despite these challenges, AI continues to drive innovation and efficiency. Retailers are leveraging AI for faster checkouts and personalized shopping experiences. In the financial sector, Morgan Stanley has promoted 184 new managing directors for 2026, many specializing in AI, including Madhu Coimbatore, head of the firmwide AI platform, and Shailesh Gavankar, head of AI strategy. The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair saw producers, like Aida Tech Limited, betting on AI-powered plush toys, which use large language models like ChatGPT, to double sales, though privacy concerns, particularly from European buyers, are emerging. In South Korea, IGIS Asset Management forecasts a "cross-asset" era in the property market, blurring traditional asset lines due to AI. Meanwhile, edtech company FIRSTHABIT showcased its AI-powered learning platform at CES 2026 with its CHALK AI Math Challenge. However, ethical dilemmas persist, as Google's Play Store continues to host Grok, an xAI product, despite its policies banning apps that create non-consensual sexual deepfake content, and its "T for Teen" rating allowing access without paywall or login.

Key Takeaways

• Techstrong named AI its "Person of the Year" for 2026, highlighting its significant impact.
• The global economy is projected to become "AI-native" by 2026, with autonomous AI agents potentially outnumbering human workers.
• A World Economic Forum survey found nearly two-thirds of business leaders identify security risks in their AI tools.
• Only 64% of organizations meet basic cyber resilience standards, and just 19% exceed them, despite growing AI-related vulnerabilities.
• Palo Alto Networks predicts identity will be the main cybersecurity battleground, with threats including AI-generated deepfakes and "CEO doppelgängers."
• Google's Play Store continues to host Grok, an xAI product, despite its policies banning apps that create non-consensual sexual deepfake content, and its "T for Teen" rating.
• Morgan Stanley appointed 184 new managing directors for 2026, with many specializing in AI, including Madhu Coimbatore and Shailesh Gavankar.
• Retailers are using AI to enhance customer experience through faster checkouts and personalized shopping.
• AI-powered plush toys, utilizing large language models like ChatGPT, are expected to double sales at the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, though privacy concerns are noted.
• AI is blurring asset lines in South Korea's property market, leading to a "cross-asset" investment era.

Predict 2026 focuses on securing AI and building trust

Predict 2026 will focus on artificial intelligence and its impact on security. Techstrong named AI its "Person of the Year" for 2026, highlighting the need to secure and trust this technology. The event will help security leaders understand new risks from agentic AI systems and evolving models. Experts from Futurum will discuss topics like AI's effect on SaaS pricing, development, enterprise strategy, and the crucial trust gap. This eighth annual Predict event aims to prepare leaders for AI's operational challenges.

AI Economy brings new cybersecurity rules for 2026

The global economy will become "AI-native" in 2026, driven by autonomous AI agents. These agents will soon outnumber human workers, creating new security challenges. Risks include rogue AI agents causing insider threats and the accelerating quantum timeline. Cybersecurity must shift from reactive defense to proactive protection, focusing on trustworthy data and identities. Palo Alto Networks predicts identity will be the main battleground, with AI-generated deepfakes and "CEO doppelgängers" posing significant threats. Securing human, machine, and AI agent identities is crucial for this new era.

AI blurs asset lines in Korea property market

IGIS Asset Management predicts that artificial intelligence will create a "cross-asset" era in South Korea's property market. AI technology is changing how people invest in property, making the difference between real estate and infrastructure less clear. The company's first-half outlook for commercial property expects AI to highlight the gap between top-tier and less important properties. This shift means new investment strategies will be needed.

Morgan Stanley names new managing directors for 2026

Morgan Stanley announced 184 new managing directors for 2026, including many experts in artificial intelligence. Key AI promotions include Madhu Coimbatore, head of the firmwide AI platform, and Shailesh Gavankar, head of AI strategy. Bert Shen and Shaan Tehal were also promoted in AI and tech investment banking roles. The list also features new leaders in private credit, investment banking, trading, and sales. Managing directors at Morgan Stanley earn a base salary of $400,000, with additional bonuses.

Google Play Store keeps Grok despite policy ban

Google's Play Store policies clearly ban apps like Grok that create non-consensual sexual content using deepfake technology. Despite these rules, Grok remains available in the Play Store with a "T for Teen" rating. This allows teenagers to download and use the app to create such content without any paywall or login. Google updated its policies in 2023 to specifically address AI-generated non-consensual sexual content. However, Google has not explained why Grok, an xAI product, continues to violate these clear guidelines.

Businesses prioritize AI security as risks grow

A World Economic Forum survey shows that businesses are now focusing more on AI security. Nearly two-thirds of leaders identify security risks in their AI tools, a big jump from last year. Most believe AI will be the biggest driver of cybersecurity changes in 2026, increasing vulnerabilities. Leaders are most concerned about data leaks and advanced adversarial attacks. While CEOs worry about cyber fraud, CISOs still prioritize ransomware and supply chain attacks. The survey also found that 64 percent of organizations meet basic cyber resilience standards, but only 19 percent go beyond them.

FIRSTHABIT announces winners of CES 2026 AI Math Challenge

Edtech company FIRSTHABIT successfully finished its CHALK AI Math Challenge at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The company hosted an interactive math competition for attendees at Eureka Park. This event showed how practical and scalable FIRSTHABIT's AI-powered learning platform is. The company also announced the final winners of the competition.

AI plush toys boost sales at Hong Kong fair

At the 52nd Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, producers are betting on AI-powered plush toys to double sales. Vegas Yeung of Aida Tech Limited saw AI dog and cat plushies become popular in mainland China, now targeting overseas markets. These interactive toys can purr, move, and use large language models like ChatGPT. While manufacturers see great potential, some buyers, especially from Europe, worry about privacy and safety when children use AI toys. Aida Tech is shifting its focus from the US to other regions like Europe and Japan.

Webinar explores AI risks to national security

A webinar on January 22, 2026, will discuss the risks and threats of artificial intelligence to national security. The event will focus on balancing AI's benefits with its potential dangers in technology and security. Experts will explain how AI and human knowledge must work together to manage complex security threats. The Center for Development of Security Excellence, or CDSE, hosts this online event. Defense security professionals, industry members, and academics can attend and earn a Certificate of Completion.

Retailers use AI for faster checkout and personal shopping

Retailers are now using artificial intelligence to improve the shopping experience for customers. AI helps speed up the checkout process, making it quicker and easier to buy items. It also allows stores to offer more personalized shopping, tailoring recommendations and services to individual customers. FOX Business reporter Lauren Simonetti discussed these changes on 'Mornings with Maria'.

Sources

• Predict 2026: AI, Trust and the Security Reckoning Ahead
• 6 predictions for the AI economy: 2026's new rules of cybersecurity
• AI to usher in cross-asset era in Korea as lines blur between real estate, infrastructure: IGIS
• Morgan Stanley's 2026 MD list: AI experts; ex-hedge fund traders; biotech bankers
• Apps like Grok are explicitly banned under Google’s rules—why is it still in the Play Store?
• Businesses are finally starting to ask whether their AI is secure
• FIRSTHABIT Successfully Concludes CES 2026 CHALK AI Math Challenge Once Again and Announces Winners
• Producers at Hong Kong toy fair bet on AI-powered plushies to double sales
• WEBINAR (1/22/26): Artificial Intelligence (AI) Risks and Threats to National Security
• Retailers turn to AI to speed up checkout and personalize shopping