Daily Tech Headlines – February 17, 2026

Episode Theme:
A fast-paced rundown of the day’s essential technology news, focused on regulatory, product, and company updates—highlighted by an in-depth look at X's (formerly Twitter) investigation in Europe over AI-generated nonconsensual images.

Episode Overview

In this edition, Robb Dunewood delivers concise, punchy headlines on the latest tech news. Topping the bill: X (formerly Twitter) faces regulatory scrutiny in Europe for allegedly allowing its Grok AI feature to generate millions of non-consensual images. Other major stories include Apple’s secure messaging updates, corporate acquisition drama involving Warner Bros. Discovery, advances in AI copyright detection from Sony, and new creator monetization tools across major platforms.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. X (Twitter) Under Investigation for Grok's Alleged Abuse

[02:33 - 03:11]

• X is being investigated by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) for alleged generation of “millions of non-consensual sexual images” with its Grok AI, including images of minors.
• The DPC probe will assess X’s compliance with GDPR, particularly regarding illegal content and risk mitigation.
• This follows an already active European Commission investigation into potential violations of the Digital Services Act.
• X’s Defense: The company claims measures are in place to stop Grok from modifying images of real people.

“X is under investigation by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission over its Grok feature, which is alleged to have generated millions of non consensual sexual images, including those of children.”
— Robb Dunewood, [02:34]

2. Paramount/Warner Bros. Discovery/Netflix Merger Tensions

[03:12 - 03:57]

• Warner Bros. Discovery gave Paramount a 7-day deadline for a “best and final” acquisition offer.
• Warner Bros. Discovery publicly favors an $82.7 billion merger with Netflix.
  • Paramount’s counter: $31/share offer and a promise to pay the $2.8B breakup fee.
• Complicating factors include Netflix’s waiver for negotiations and “serious national security concerns over foreign funding,” notably involving Saudi backers for Paramount.
• Warner Bros. Discovery’s board chair said the Netflix merger offers more "regulatory certainty and downside protection."

“The window was granted after a seven day waiver from Netflix, which simultaneously raised serious national security concerns over the foreign funding, including Saudi Arabia’s behind Paramount’s bid.”
— Robb Dunewood, [03:43]

3. Apple Rolls Out Encrypted RCS Messaging (In Beta)

[03:58 - 04:15]

• Apple internally testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in iOS 26.4 (developer beta).
• The goal: Replace unencrypted SMS/MMS, promise iMessage-level security for cross-platform communications.
• Current Beta: Only works between two Apple devices; cross-platform encryption not yet live.
• No timeline yet for full public release.

“Apple has begun internal end to end encrypted rich communication services Messaging testing in iOS 26.4 developer beta....the full feature will not be in the public iOS 26.4 release and should be expected in a future update.”
— Robb Dunewood, [04:00]

4. Apple Podcasts: Video Podcast Expansion

[04:16 - 04:35]

• Apple Podcasts launching an “integrated video experience” in spring, responding to the growing trend: “37% of people now watch video podcasts monthly.”
• Features: Video/audio switching, picture-in-picture, video downloads, dynamic ad-insertion (including host-read video ads with impression-based fees).

“The update will use the HLS protocol, allowing users to switch between watching and listening, using picture in picture and download videos.”
— Robb Dunewood, [04:28]

5. EU Parliament Disables AI Features

[04:36 - 04:57]

• All built-in AI features disabled for lawmakers and staff devices due to unresolved data security, privacy, and cloud processing transparency concerns.
• Internal memo: IT can’t guarantee sensitive legislative data won't be exposed via AI writing or summarization tools.

“The internal memo cited the inability of the IT department to guarantee the safety of sensitive legislative data which could be exposed by tools like writing assistance and summarization functions that transmit information off device.”
— Robb Dunewood, [04:48]

6. Snapchat Launches Paid Creator Subscription Model

[04:58 - 05:20]

• New Creator Subscription Alpha Program launches February 23 with select US creators (e.g., Jeremy Brown, Harry Jowsey, Skai Jackson).
• Benefits: Paid-exclusive content, priority replies, ad-free views for subscriber’s stories.
• Rollout to Canada, UK, and France next—mirroring Instagram and Facebook models.

7. Valve Faces Hardware Shortage Delays

[05:21 - 05:45]

• Steam Deck OLED shortages stem from memory/storage supply issues.
• Consequences: “Steam Machine,” “Steam Frame,” and “Steam Controller” launches now delayed to first half of 2026.
• Valve ceases production of 256GB LCD Steam Deck.

8. Sony’s AI Copyright Detection Technology

[05:46 - 06:11]

• New Sony AI can identify and quantify copyrighted music used to train/generate new AI-created music.
• Designed to help rights holders claim royalties for reused elements.
• Industry impact: Could set a new standard for revenue distribution—adoption by AI developers is uncertain.

9. Amazon Fire TV Update

[06:12 - 06:42]

• Major US UI redesign for Fire TV brings:
  • More rounded corners,
  • 20–30% speed improvements,
  • Supports up to 20 pinned apps on homescreen (previously 6),
  • New Alexa AI for viewing suggestions & organizing queues.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On AI Image Generation and Accountability:
  “...which is alleged to have generated millions of non consensual sexual images, including those of children.”
  — Robb Dunewood, [02:34]

• On Foreign Investment in Media Mergers:
  “...Netflix simultaneously raised serious national security concerns over the foreign funding, including Saudi Arabia’s behind Paramount’s bid.”
  — Robb Dunewood, [03:43]

• On Trends in Podcasting:
  “...driven by the finding that 37% of people now watch video podcasts monthly.”
  — Robb Dunewood, [04:22]

• On Legislative Security and AI:
  “...the inability of the IT department to guarantee the safety of sensitive legislative data which could be exposed by tools like writing assistance and summarization functions that transmit information off device.”
  — Robb Dunewood, [04:48]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [02:33] X under investigation by DPC for AI-generated illegal imagery
• [03:12] Paramount, Warner Bros., Netflix merger saga and national security concerns
• [03:58] Apple encrypted RCS beta details
• [04:16] Apple Podcasts launches integrated video podcasts
• [04:36] EU Parliament disables AI for lawmakers' devices
• [04:58] Snapchat's new creator subscription program
• [05:21] Valve hardware shortages and delays
• [05:46] Sony’s AI music copyright identification
• [06:12] Amazon Fire TV major UI update

Tone & Delivery

The episode maintains a clear, objective, and data-driven approach, echoing the measured authority of host Robb Dunewood. It’s fast-paced yet thorough, with each headline succinctly summarized and contextualized—ideal for tech professionals and enthusiasts who seek the headlines and their wider implications.

Bottom Line:
This installment covers the intersection of AI, data privacy, media industry shakeups, and digital innovation, with standout stories on regulatory crackdowns and how tech giants are retooling for security, monetization, and user experience in 2026.