TECHNOLOGY

After widespread criticism and government pressure, Elon Musk has claimed to make changes to his AI chatbot Grok on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), promising that it would no longer produce obscene images. However, recent tests by journalists suggest that the problem persists. What Happened? Grok had been widely misused to create deepfake images of women and minors, digitally removing or altering clothing. These fake images could potentially harm the reputation and privacy of individuals. Critics highlighted that, unlike other AI tools, Grok lacked robust filters to prevent the creation of such inappropriate content. In response to global backlash and threats of regulatory action, X announced that it had implemented policy changes to prevent Grok from generating ob...

Here are the top tech stories of 15 January 2026, covering major developments from global internet shutdowns to parental control features on YouTube and upcoming e-commerce sales. 1. Iran Enters 7th Day of Internet Blackout Iran has now entered the seventh day of a nationwide internet blackout, cutting the general public off from the rest of the world. Mobile internet services remain non-functional. In response, Elon Musk and the United States have made Starlink satellite internet free for Iranians, including waiving subscription fees for those who hadn’t paid. While this provides limited relief—since users must have Starlink kits—the Iranian government is reportedly seizing these kits from citizens, raising challenges for widespread connectivity. 2. Parents Can Control Children’s...

In the wake of controversies surrounding Elon Musk’s Grok AI producing objectionable images, James Dyson, CEO of British AI company Locai Labs, has stated that no AI image generator is completely safe. According to Dyson, AI companies cannot fully prevent their models from generating nude or inappropriate content. The concern arose after Grok AI was reportedly used to create offensive images of women and children, leading to bans in several countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia. While regulatory action has targeted Grok AI, Dyson emphasized that similar risks exist across the AI industry, as AI models, while sophisticated, are not perfect. Precautionary Measures by Locai Labs Considering these risks, Locai Labs has made the decision to pause the rollout of its image generati...

YouTube has rolled out three significant updates aimed at making the platform safer and more parent-friendly for children and teenagers. The changes, announced on Wednesday, will give parents greater control over how much time their kids spend on YouTube Shorts, ensure teens see more meaningful content, and simplify family account management. 1. Screen Time Control Parents can now set limits on how long their children can watch YouTube Shorts. This includes a timer for scrolling, which can even be set to zero if needed—ideal for study hours or homework time. Conversely, families on the go can allow 30 or 60 minutes of Shorts viewing. This feature, claimed by YouTube to be the first of its kind in the industry, also includes reminders for bedtime or scheduled breaks. Parents have comp...

In a remarkable fusion of history and technology, the Indian Navy’s INSV Kaundinya, built using a 2,000-year-old sail-making technique, has successfully completed its journey from Gujarat to Oman. The vessel’s crew remained connected to the world throughout the 18-day voyage, thanks to satellite connectivity provided by OneWeb. Historic Vessel, Modern Connectivity INSV Kaundinya, traditionally constructed without any communication systems, was equipped with OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, supported by Airtel. This cutting-edge satellite technology ensured reliable, real-time communication between the ship and onshore teams, marking a milestone in combining ancient maritime heritage with 21st-century digital capabilities. OneWeb, a global satellite internet provid...

Realme’s Chief Marketing Officer, Francis Wong, has created a buzz on social media with a daring challenge. He shared a post showing the battery of an upcoming Realme phone, stating that if the phone dies before its official launch, the launch itself will be canceled. Remarkably, the phone shown had just 3% battery remaining, despite being last fully charged 31 days ago. A Month-Long Battery Life? Can you imagine a smartphone that runs for an entire month on a single charge? While it may sound like a joke, Realme’s marketing head is making it a reality. In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Wong flaunted the phone’s impressive battery life and issued an open challenge: if the phone powers off before launch, Realme will call off the event. His tweet has since sparked widespread discuss...

Ahead of the Flipkart sale, home appliances brand Haier has launched its latest smart TVs in India under the Haier H5E Series 4K Ultra HD line. The TVs are available in screen sizes ranging from 43 inches to 65 inches, with the 43-inch model priced at ₹25,990. The new Haier TVs feature a bezel-less display for an immersive viewing experience, along with down-firing stereo speakers delivering Dolby Audio for clear and powerful sound. According to Haier, the TVs offer crisp 4K Ultra HD visuals with HDR10 support, ensuring sharp, detailed, and vibrant images. Pricing Details: 43-inch: ₹25,990 50-inch: ₹32,990 55-inch: ₹38,990 65-inch: ₹57,990 Key Features and Specifications: Display & Picture Quality: All Haier H5E models come with True 4K resolution and HDR10 s...

Pakistan is likely to experience an internet outage tomorrow, January 15, 2026, due to scheduled maintenance on submarine cables. The work, expected to last up to eight hours, could temporarily disrupt internet services across the country. This would mark the second major internet disruption in Pakistan within the past two weeks. According to reports, the Pakistani telecom provider Nayatel has informed its customers via email that maintenance work on submarine cables will begin around 2 PM on January 15. During this period, internet services may be extremely slow or completely unavailable for approximately 8–9 hours. Nayatel described the work as essential and unavoidable, apologizing for the inconvenience, though it did not specify if there had been any faults with the cables. This ...

OpenAI is reportedly developing a revolutionary device—an AI-powered, screenless “smart computer” in the form of earbuds—that can be operated entirely via voice commands. Codenamed ‘Sweetpea’, the device is expected to launch by the end of this year, potentially posing a serious challenge to Apple’s AirPods. A Voice-Activated Smart ComputerAs AI technology continues to trend globally, OpenAI is planning to introduce a compact, screenless smart computer designed to fit in your ears. Unlike conventional devices, this computer will not require a keyboard, mouse, or screen. Powered by ChatGPT, it will function purely through voice interaction, allowing users to perform tasks hands-free. Design and Collaboration with Johny IveThe project began in 2023, with OpenAI partnering with renowned...

Amid a sweeping internet ban in Iran, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has made Starlink satellite internet freely available to Iranian citizens. This major development follows recent discussions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Musk about providing connectivity in the region. Starlink Offers Free Internet Despite Severe RisksIn Iran, using Starlink carries severe risks, including potential capital punishment. Yet, Elon Musk has proceeded to provide satellite internet to citizens during the blackout. Reports indicate that Iran has restricted internet access for nearly 120 hours to curb protests, and Starlink has stepped in to bypass the blockade. Several Starlink accounts, previously inactive due to subscription issues, have now been reactivated, with the subscription fees waived—allowi...