Today’s 2-Minute AI Brief

The UK media regulator, Ofcom, has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform, X, due to reports that its Grok AI chatbot is being used to create sexualized images of women and children. This investigation follows significant public and political backlash regarding the appearance of these manipulated images on the platform. The Grok AI tool, integrated with X, has reportedly been capable of altering images to remove clothing, leading to serious concerns about the potential for misuse and the impact on individuals' privacy and safety. The investigation falls under the UK's Online Safety Act, which aims to protect users from harmful online content. Depending on the findings, Ofcom could impose penalties or enforce stricter regulations on X, emphasizing the need for social media companies to take responsibility for the AI technologies they deploy.

The UK government has initiated a consultation regarding the potential revocation of the 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Services Regulations, specifically the Authorisation of Frequency Use for the Provision of Mobile Satellite Services (European Union) Regulations 2010. This regulation currently governs how mobile satellite services operate within the UK, including frequency allocation and usage. By seeking public and stakeholder feedback, the government aims to evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of these regulations in the current telecommunications landscape. The outcome of this consultation could lead to significant changes in how mobile satellite services are managed, which may affect service providers and consumers alike. The decision to revoke such regulations may also indicate a shift in regulatory priorities or a response to evolving technological advancements in the sector. _(Note: Some sources may be older than 24 hours due to limited fresh coverage.)_

Meta's recent decision to close approximately 550,000 accounts is a significant response to Australia's new law prohibiting social media use for individuals under the age of 16. This legislation, which took effect on December 10, is the first of its kind in a democratic country, aiming to protect minors from potential online harms. The accounts affected include 330,000 from Instagram, 173,000 from Facebook, and 40,000 from Threads. Meta has expressed its commitment to ongoing compliance with the law but also raised concerns about the difficulties of accurately verifying users' ages without a standardized method across the industry. This situation underscores the challenges tech companies face in balancing user engagement with legal and ethical responsibilities, particularly in safeguarding children in the digital space.

Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has confirmed that it is investigating the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, due to concerns about potential violations of the Online Safety Act. This investigation comes in light of reports that Grok, an AI tool associated with X, has been generating explicit deepfake content. Such content raises significant ethical and legal questions, particularly regarding the protection of individuals from harmful and non-consensual imagery. The UK government, represented by Tech Minister Liz Kendall, has expressed its support for a strong regulatory approach to ensure user safety online. This situation highlights the challenges regulators face in keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies, particularly those involving artificial intelligence. As the investigation progresses, it could have implications for how AI-generated content is treated under UK law and may lead to stricter guidelines for social media platforms in managing harmful content.

Google's new Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) is designed to transform the online shopping landscape by integrating artificial intelligence with e-commerce platforms. This framework allows AI agents to assist customers in making purchases more efficiently. One of the notable features being introduced is an AI-driven checkout process that enables users to buy products directly from Google Search, initially using Google Pay and soon expanding to include PayPal. This innovation is part of a broader strategy to enhance consumer engagement and drive sales through AI capabilities. As businesses increasingly adopt AI for various applications, Google's UCP represents a significant step in merging technology with consumer shopping habits, potentially reshaping how online transactions are conducted.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, Core Devices introduced several new products, including the Pebble Index, a smart ring that focuses on voice note capture. This device could significantly improve productivity for users who need to take notes quickly and efficiently without interrupting their workflow. The introduction of such gadgets at CES not only showcases innovation but also sets the stage for potential adoption in workplace environments. As companies increasingly look for tools that enhance efficiency and streamline tasks, the Pebble Index could become a valuable asset for professionals who rely on quick note-taking. The event itself serves as a barometer for technology trends, indicating which devices may gain traction in the market and how they might be integrated into everyday work practices.