Amazon Lists Shops Without Consent. Google and Character.AI Agree to Settle. ChatGPT Health Separates Medical Chats. Ford Brings AI Assistant.

Show notes

The AI news for January 8th, 2026

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Here are the details of the day's selected top stories:

Amazon lists unsolicited products from independent shops via 'Buy For Me' AI.
Source: https://the-decoder.de/amazon-listet-ungefragt-produkte-unabhaengiger-shops-via-buy-for-me-ki/
Why did we choose this article?
Shows a concrete, user-facing AI program that may list third-party merchants' products without consent — affecting sellers' control, competition on the marketplace, and what shoppers see.

Google and Character.AI negotiate first major settlements in teen chatbot death cases
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/07/google-and-character-ai-negotiate-first-major-settlements-in-teen-chatbot-death-cases/
Why did we choose this article?
Legal settlements over harms linked to chatbots create precedent for company liability and safety obligations, with direct implications for users, families, and regulators.

OpenAI unveils ChatGPT Health, says 230 million users ask about health each week
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/07/openai-unveils-chatgpt-health-says-230-million-users-ask-about-health-each-week/
Why did we choose this article?
A new, dedicated health interface changes how people will seek medical information from ChatGPT — easier access but also a need to be aware of accuracy and privacy limits.

Ford has an AI assistant and new hands-free BlueCruise tech on the way.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/07/ford-has-an-ai-assistant-and-new-hands-free-bluecruise-tech-on-the-way/
Why did we choose this article?
Signals more affordable, widely available hands-free driving and in-car AI assistance for consumers — potentially changing vehicle features, safety expectations, and buying choices.

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