Signs Hijack Autonomous Vehicles. Agent Platforms Leak Secrets. Layoffs Blamed on AI. Indonesia Conditionally Restores Grok.

Show notes

The AI news for February 2nd, 2026

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

Autonomous vehicles can be steered into pedestrians by simple signs.
Source: https://the-decoder.de/autonome-fahrzeuge-lassen-sich-durch-einfache-schilder-in-fussgaenger-steuern/
Why did we choose this article?
Demonstrates an immediate safety vulnerability: simple physical signs can mislead self-driving vehicles and drones, posing direct risks to pedestrians, city planners, fleet operators, and anyone near autonomous systems.

OpenClaw, also known as 'Clawdbot', and Moltbook are a paradise for data thieves.
Source: https://the-decoder.de/openclaw-aka-clawdbot-und-moltbook-sind-ein-paradies-fuer-datendiebe/
Why did we choose this article?
Highlights concrete security failures in consumer/pro developer AI platforms that can expose user data, system prompts, and servers—an immediate privacy and compliance threat for individuals and organizations using these services.

AI layoffs or ‘AI-washing’?
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/01/ai-layoffs-or-ai-washing/
Why did we choose this article?
Investigates whether companies are attributing layoffs to AI to justify cuts—relevant for employees, jobseekers, managers, and anyone assessing how AI is actually changing staffing and work practices.

Indonesia 'conditionally' lifts ban on Grok
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/01/indonesia-conditionally-lifts-ban-on-grok/
Why did we choose this article?
Reports a concrete policy change restoring access to a major chatbot in Indonesia under conditions—affects Indonesian users, businesses, and regulators by changing what AI tools are available and how they're moderated locally.

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