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Creative Commons is exploring a new concept called pay-to-crawl technology, which would automatically pay websites when AI programs access their content. This system aims to charge AI bots each time they gather information from a website, potentially helping publishers recover lost revenue due to AI. However, Creative Commons has concerns about potential power imbalances and access restrictions, suggesting principles for responsible implementation. Other companies are also exploring similar solutions, including Microsofts AI marketplace and the RSL Collectives Really Simple Licensing standard, which Creative Commons supports.

Fords electric vehicle strategy shifts: F-One-Fifty Lightning production halted, new extended-range electric vehicle announced; T-Three project canceled, commercial van plans abandoned; focus on hybrid trucks, vans, and affordable electric options.

Ford is diversifying its battery production by launching a new storage business, utilizing LFP batteries for commercial grid customers and data centers. This move, set to begin in 2027, leverages Fords existing capabilities and joins other automakers in the energy storage market.

Googles new search feature allows direct AI analysis of images and documents via a plus button, marking a significant step towards AI integration in everyday online tasks. Amidst intense competition with OpenAI, Googles Gemini three model sparked a code red response, leading to OpenAIs GPT five point two release. Googles size and infrastructure advantage, including vast storage and large context windows, gives it a competitive edge. Gemini threes training on Googles Tensor Processing Unit chips further solidifies Googles position in the AI race.

Lightspeed Venture Partners secures record-breaking nine billion dollar fundraise, solidifying its position as a dominant player in AI-focused investments. This trend, however, widens the gap between large and small venture capital firms, with fewer fund closings expected in the coming years.

Nationwide Recall Issued for ReBoost Nasal Spray Due to Potential Contamination: Consumers Advised to Stop Use Immediately, Return for Refund.

Slop is Merriam-Websters word of the year for 2025, reflecting concerns over low-quality AI-generated digital content. This term, defined as poor-quality digital content made in bulk using AI, has been widely used to describe the impact of AI tools like OpenAIs Sora and Google Geminis Veo. The surge in AI-generated content has led to a slop economy, raising concerns about digital divide and the value of information.

Google Discontinues Dark Web Report Feature: Focus Shifts to Practical Security Solutions Google is phasing out its dark web report feature due to user feedback indicating a lack of clear, actionable steps after receiving alerts. The tool, designed to protect users from identity theft by scanning data breach dumps, will be discontinued on February 16th. Google is now emphasizing practical security solutions, recommending tools like Security Checkup, Password Manager, and Password Checkup. Users can delete their monitoring profiles before the deadline.

Slop is Merriam-Websters Word of the Year for 2025, reflecting the overwhelming amount of low-quality digital content produced by AI. This four-letter word captures a widespread feeling of amusement and frustration with the current state of AI-generated material. Its a judgment on the glut of poor content now flooding our screens and social media feeds. The word slop originally referred to soft mud and food waste, but now it means digital content of low quality produced by AI. Other dictionaries have also highlighted words reflecting similar themes, such as rage bait and parasocial. These choices collectively paint a picture of a year grappling with the digital worlds impact. As AI tools become more common, the distinction between valuable information and meaningless noise will only become more critical.