Podcast Summary: Daily Tech Headlines

Episode: EU: TikTok's “Addictive Design” Is Illegal Under DSA - DTH
Date: February 7, 2026
Hosts: Sarah Lane (with contributions from Robb Dunewood and Tom Merritt)
Duration: ~10 minutes

Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire rundown of the most important tech news headlines for the week ending February 7, 2026. The central theme focuses on the EU’s legal action against TikTok for “addictive design,” with additional coverage of advances in AI for autonomous vehicles, regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech mergers, domain acquisitions, AI integration in consumer products, global tech regulations, and notable policy changes by NASA.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Waymo and DeepMind Collaboration for Autonomous Vehicles

Timestamp: 01:47–02:20

• Waymo is leveraging DeepMind’s Genie 3AI model to generate highly realistic virtual driving environments for robo-taxi training.
  • Enables simulation of rare or dangerous scenarios without real-world risk.
  • Can create synthetic camera/lidar data or convert dashcam footage into simulations.
  • Aims to help Waymo scale into new cities.
  • Competitors: Nvidia, Wave, and Tesla are mentioned as also investing in similar simulation tech.

2. DOJ Investigation into Netflix Acquisition

Timestamp: 02:20–02:33

• U.S. Dept. of Justice is investigating possible anti-competitive behavior related to Netflix's $72 billion proposed acquisition of Warner Discovery Studios and HBO Max.
  • Review includes potential monopoly concerns and rival bids from Paramount.

3. Google Expands Quick Share Across Ecosystem

Timestamp: 02:33–02:45

• Google plans to broaden its AirDrop-style Quick Share feature (formerly for Pixel devices) to enable two-way file sharing between most Android devices and Apple products.
  • Android VP Eric K states this will "roll out across the broader ecosystem" soon, after Pixel test phase.

4. Record AI.com Domain Acquisition & Crypto.com’s AI Agent Platform

Timestamp: 02:45–03:08

• Crypto.com CEO Chris Marzalek purchased the AI.com domain for ~$70 million, reportedly the largest domain deal ever.
  • Launching a new AI agent platform—private agents can message, trade stocks, handle complex tasks.
  • Debut is planned around a Super Bowl ad for a decentralized AI agent network.

5. Apple to Support Third-Party AI Chatbots in CarPlay

Timestamp: 03:08–03:24

• Apple aims to integrate third-party AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude) into CarPlay, expanding voice interaction beyond Siri.

  • Brings outside AI support to both standard and "CarPlay Ultra" systems.

• Internal Changes:

  • Apple Health+ AI coach scaled back after a change in leadership (Eddy Cue).
  • Advanced health features (workout correction, diet tracking) to be merged into the core Health app.
  • A temporary AI health chatbot is under development until next-gen Siri is ready.

6. EU Declares TikTok’s Addictive Design Illegal

Timestamp: 03:24–03:52

• European Commission alleges TikTok deliberately designed addictive features (infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic recommendations) without adequate protection for minors and vulnerable users.
  • Key requirements:
    • Disable infinite scroll.
    • Add screen time breaks.
    • Overhaul recommendation engine.
  • TikTok disputing the claims as "false and meritless".
  • Existing parental controls deemed "insufficient."
  • Confirmed DSA (Digital Services Act) violations could result in fines up to 6% of global revenue.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Regulators want TikTok to disable Infinite scroll, add screen time breaks and overhaul its recommendation system. TikTok says the findings are false and meritless." – Sarah Lane (03:35)

7. Egypt Moves to Ban Roblox for Child Protection

Timestamp: 03:52–04:05

• Egyptian regulators are initiating a ban on Roblox, citing risks to children's “moral and educational values” and psychological harm.
  • Supreme Council for Media Regulation to coordinate with telecom authorities.

8. US States Push Data Center Moratoriums

Timestamp: 04:05–04:22

• New York proposes a three-year halt on new data centers, joining at least five other US states.
  • Concerns: climate impact, high energy use, environmental/economic scrutiny.
  • Bi-partisan legislative support reflects national trend.

9. NASA Allows Personal Smartphones on Missions

Timestamp: 04:22–04:42

• Starting with Crew 12 and Artemis 2, NASA will let astronauts use personal smartphones in space.
  • Allows easier sharing of photos/videos with modern tech (iPhones, Androids).
  • NASA administrator Jared Isaacman hails it as a modernizing move.
  • Previous missions relied on outdated hardware; private flights already permit smartphones.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On TikTok's Design:

  • "The Commission noted existing screen time tools and parental controls are insufficient. Confirmed breaches of the EU’s Digital Services act could bring fines up to 6% of global revenue."
    — Sarah Lane [03:42]

• On NASA’s Policy Change:

  • "This is a first for NASA missions, although private astronaut flights have already allowed personal smartphones on board."
    — Sarah Lane [04:35]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Waymo Training AI: 01:47–02:20
• Netflix DOJ Probe: 02:20–02:33
• Google Quick Share Expansion: 02:33–02:45
• AI.com Acquisition: 02:45–03:08
• Apple AI in CarPlay: 03:08–03:24
• EU vs. TikTok/DSA: 03:24–03:52
• Egypt Bans Roblox: 03:52–04:05
• Data Center Moratoria: 04:05–04:22
• NASA Allows Smartphones: 04:22–04:42

Conclusion

For a concise and authoritative roundup of this week’s biggest tech stories—headlined by the EU’s move against TikTok’s addictive design—the episode breaks down fast-evolving developments in AI, digital regulation, and tech industry trends, equipping listeners with the essentials in under 10 minutes.

Hosts maintain a brisk, informative tone throughout, focusing on headline content without editorializing—delivering tech news for busy listeners.