Grok Generated Millions of Deepfakes. Sequoia Backs AI Scheduler. Google Personal Intelligence Joins AI Mode. Senator Probes Chatbot Ads.

Show notes

The AI news for January 23rd, 2026

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

Analyses: Two to three million sexualized deepfakes generated by Grok.
Source: https://www.heise.de/news/Analysen-Zwei-bis-drei-Millionen-sexualisierte-Deepfakes-von-Grok-generiert-11150776.html?wt_mc=rss.red.ho.themen.k%C3%BCnstliche+intelligenz.beitrag.beitrag
Why did we choose this article?
Reports estimate millions of sexualized deepfakes created by a popular AI—meaning higher risks of image-based abuse, reputation harm, and pressure on platforms and regulators to improve detection and take-down processes.

Former Sequoia partner’s new startup uses AI to negotiate your calendar for you
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/22/former-sequoia-partners-new-startup-uses-ai-to-negotiate-your-calendar-for-you/
Why did we choose this article?
A new AI agent aims to automate scheduling by talking to other calendars—this could save knowledge workers time but raises questions about trust, permissions, and how meetings get negotiated on your behalf.

Google’s AI Mode can now tap into your Gmail and Photos to provide tailored responses.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/22/googles-ai-mode-can-now-tap-into-your-gmail-and-photos-to-provide-tailored-responses/
Why did we choose this article?
Google’s AI can now pull from your Gmail and Photos to give personalized answers—offering convenience but changing how your personal data is used, so users should review privacy controls and consent options.

Sen. Markey questions OpenAI about ‘deceptive advertising’ in ChatGPT
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/865854/senator-ed-markey-ai-companies-chatbots-advertising
Why did we choose this article?
A US senator is probing chatbot ad plans for consumer-protection and privacy risks—this could lead to regulatory scrutiny or changes in how paid placements are displayed inside conversational AI services.

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