Welcome back to your daily dossier talking AI, robotics, crypto and the future of tech. 👾

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🤖 OpenAI researcher resigns, citing concerns over AI safety.
💰 Bitcoin surges after the Fed holds rates, defying Trump’s push for cuts.
📺 AI ads dominate Super Bowl LIX, while Hollywood cuts back.
🛠️ AI-powered robots improve speed and precision across industries.
🏙️ DeepSeek app removed in Italy over data privacy issues.

AI

• OpenAI Accuses DeepSeek of Using Its Tech to Build AI Model

  • OpenAI claims it has evidence that Chinese AI company DeepSeek leveraged its proprietary technology to train its own AI models.

  • The accusation centers on ‘distillation,’ a technique that extracts insights from larger AI models to train smaller ones.

  • The allegations add to rising tensions over AI intellectual property and China’s rapid advancement in the field.

• OpenAI Researcher Resigns, Warning AI Labs Are Taking ‘Risky Gamble’

  • Steven Adler, a former OpenAI researcher, resigned over concerns that AI labs are pushing too fast toward artificial general intelligence (AGI).

  • He warns that the current trajectory prioritizes competition over safety, increasing the risk of unintended consequences.

  • His departure fuels the debate over AI regulation and the ethical responsibilities of leading AI companies.

• AI Ads to Flood Super Bowl LIX, While Hollywood Pulls Back

  • AI-driven companies are making a major push in Super Bowl LIX ads, with some paying over $8 million for 30-second slots.

  • Movie studios and streaming services are cutting back on ad spending, partly due to the lingering effects of the Hollywood strikes.

  • The AI ad boom mirrors the crypto ad surge in 2022, raising questions about whether it's a lasting trend or short-lived hype.

ROBOTICS

• Waymo Expands Robotaxi Testing to 10 New Cities in 2025

  • Waymo is set to test its autonomous ride-hailing service in 10 new cities, aiming to expand beyond its current markets.

  • The expansion comes as regulators and competitors, including Cruise, navigate challenges in the robotaxi industry.

  • Waymo has not disclosed all the new locations but says its focus is on diverse driving conditions and regulatory approval.

• AI Helps Robots Become Faster and More Precise in Complex Tasks

  • Researchers are developing AI-powered robots capable of handling intricate tasks with greater speed and accuracy.

  • The improvements stem from advanced machine learning techniques that help robots adapt to new environments.

  • Industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare are expected to benefit from these AI-driven enhancements.

• Figure AI Establishes Safety Center for Humanoid Robots

  • Figure AI is launching a Center for Humanoid Safety to address workplace risks as humanoid robots become common.

  • The company is working with an OSHA-recognized lab to certify battery safety, control systems, and electrical components.

  • Quarterly reports will document safety progress, focusing on stability, human and pet detection, and AI-driven navigation to prevent injuries.

CRYPTO

• Czech Republic Considers Bitcoin Reserve to Hedge Against U.S.

  • The Czech National Bank may allocate up to 5% of its €140 billion reserves into Bitcoin, amounting to approximately €7 billion.

  • Governor Aleš Michl aims to diversify the nation’s assets amid growing global interest in Bitcoin as a store of value.

  • The move aligns with increasing institutional adoption, spurred by the U.S. approval of Bitcoin ETFs and positive sentiment from Trump.

• Bitcoin Jumps After Fed Holds Rates, Defying Trump's Call for Cuts

  • The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates, ignoring President Trump’s push for immediate cuts to stimulate the economy.

  • Bitcoin’s price surged as investors interpreted the decision as a sign of continued economic uncertainty and potential future liquidity injections.

  • Market analysts suggest the Fed’s caution reflects concerns over inflation persistence despite political pressure.

• How AI Agents and Crypto Will Reshape Commerce

  • AI-powered agents are set to automate commerce by conducting transactions, negotiating contracts, and optimizing supply chains.

  • Crypto payments will further decentralize commerce, reducing reliance on banks and enabling seamless international transactions.

  • The combination of AI and crypto is expected to redefine digital marketplaces, improving efficiency and reducing fraud.

CONTENT

• Reid Hoffman: Why The AI Investment Will Pay Off

  • Hoffman argues AI investments are still in their early days, predicting today’s massive funding rounds will look small in hindsight.

  • He discusses OpenAI’s $6.6 billion raise, DeepSeek’s emergence, and whether Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI will hold.

  • The conversation covers AI regulation, the risks of overhyped AI markets, and how tech leaders are aligning politically.

• DeepSeek R1 - Everything You Need to Know

  • DeepSeek R1 is open-source and rivals ChatGPT, but concerns remain over its Chinese data hosting.

  • The video provides a guide on running AI models locally using Docker, OpenWebUI, and alternative providers like Fireworks AI.

  • Discussion includes the cost of using different AI platforms, the rise of mobile AI models, and how to optimize performance.

• Boom Supersonic’s Milestones, OpenAI Ethics, and Startup Tools

  • Boom Supersonic’s test flight marks a major milestone for commercial supersonic travel, with Starlink expanding into aviation.

  • The DeepSeek controversy unfolds as OpenAI accuses the company of distilling its models, raising ethical and legal concerns.

  • Other topics include AI’s impact on startups, Meta’s AR/VR push, and how changing CapEx trends affect big tech firms.

AND MORE…

• Majority of U.S. Teens Have Lost Trust in Big Tech

  • A report finds 64% of U.S. teens don’t trust tech companies to prioritize their well-being, citing social media’s negative effects.

  • Additionally, 62% are skeptical about data privacy, fearing their personal information is being misused without consent.

  • The findings highlight growing demand for stricter privacy laws and ethical AI development, especially for social media.

• DeepSeek App Unavailable in Apple and Google App Stores in Italy

  • Italy’s data protection authority has blocked DeepSeek due to concerns over data collection and storage practices.

  • Investigations suggest the AI chatbot may violate GDPR rules, particularly regarding where and how user data is stored.

  • The move reflects Europe’s growing scrutiny of AI companies and their compliance with strict privacy regulations.

• Hallucinating Copypaste Plagiarism Robots Are Everywhere

  • An opinion piece warns AI-generated content is threatening originality in journalism, literature, and creative industries.

  • The author highlights AI’s tendency to fabricate sources, plagiarize content, and spread misinformation at scale.

  • As AI adoption accelerates, stronger regulations are needed to protect human creativity and journalistic integrity.