1. TikTok is still down, here are all the latest updates
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/868379/tiktok-us-trump-oracle-broken-rumors-power-outage
Summary: More than a day after TikTok’s issues began, TikTok USDS says the problems are the result of a power outage at a data center and subsequent cascading systems failure. Starting early Sunday morning, TikTok’s now under new ownership US arm started breaking down just a couple of days after Oracle & Co took the reins. […]
2. South Korea’s Edenlux set for U.S. debut of eye-strain wellness device
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/south-koreas-edenlux-set-for-u-s-debut-of-eye-strain-wellness-device/
Summary: Edenlux builds wearable tech to protect and train your eyes, inspired by its founder’s personal vision recovery.
3. Qualcomm backs SpotDraft to scale on-device contract AI with valuation doubling toward $400M
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/qualcomm-backs-spotdraft-to-scale-on-device-contract-ai-with-valuation-doubling-toward-400m/
Summary: SpotDraft now processes over 1 million contracts annually using its AI tool, with contract volumes up 173% year-over-year.
4. Google pays $68M to settle claims its voice assistant spied on users
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/google-pays-68-million-to-settle-claims-its-voice-assistant-spied-on-users/
Summary: Google did not admit wrongdoing in the settlement of the class-action case, which accused the firm of "unlawful and intentional interception and recording of individuals’ confidential communications without their consent and subsequent unauthorized disclosure of those communications to third parties."
5. AI chip startup Ricursive hits $4B valuation two months after launch
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/ai-chip-startup-ricursive-hits-4b-valuation-two-months-after-launch/
Summary: Ricursive joins Recursive and Unconventional AI in raising massive funds at multi-billion valuations out of the gate.
6. Meta to test premium subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/meta-to-test-premium-subscriptions-on-instagram-facebook-and-whatsapp/
Summary: In the coming months, Meta is going to explore a premium experience on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp that gives users access to special features and more control over how they share and connect, while keeping the core experiences free.
7. Some international attendees are skipping 2026 GDC due to safety fears and growing ICE presence
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/some-international-attendees-are-skipping-2026-gdc-due-to-safety-fears-and-growing-ice-presence/
Summary: Many members of the international games industry are skipping the 2026 Game Developers Conference because of the growing ICE presence and other concerns.
8. X faces EU investigation over Grok’s sexualized deepfakes
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/868239/x-grok-sexualized-deepfakes-eu-investigation
Summary: X is facing an investigation from the European Commission over the sexualized deepfakes generated by its Grok AI chatbot. In its announcement, the Commission says it will evaluate whether X "properly assessed and mitigated risks" associated with Grok's image-generating capabilities in the EU, as reported earlier by The New York Times. Advocacy groups and lawmakers […]
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