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26 Jan 2026, 12:32

European Commission launches formal proceedings against xAI's Grok AI chatbot

The European Commission has opened formal proceedings against Elon Musk’s social media platform X after its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok was found producing sexual images of real people without their permission, including pictures of children. People using X have been making AI-altered versions of actual photographs by asking Grok to create them. A study released last week by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate found that Grok made roughly three million deepfake images of women and children in just a few days. The controversy has prompted calls for investigations in several countries. In Ireland , a number of government ministers have closed their X accounts in response. Regina Doherty, a member of the European Parliament from Fine Gael, confirmed the Commission’s move against the company in a statement released this morning. She said she supported the decision to start a formal investigation. “When credible reports emerge of AI systems being used in ways that harm women and children, it is essential that EU law is examined and enforced without delay,” Doherty said. She added that the case brings up serious concerns about whether platforms are following their legal responsibilities to check for risks and stop illegal and harmful material from spreading. Doherty emphasized that the investigation needs to result in actual consequences. “No company operating in the EU is above the law,” she stated. She also pointed out that the situation shows bigger problems in how new AI technology is being regulated and monitored, asking for more steps to be taken at the EU level. “This case underlines why the AI Act must remain a living piece of legislation. If gaps in enforcement or oversight become clear, then it is our responsibility to address them. EU laws must be enforceable in real time when serious harms occur,” Doherty said. Investigation delayed due to Greenland crisis According t o Ge rman news source Handelsblatt, the Commission had planned to start the proceedings under the EU’s Digital Services Act last Monday, but the decision was pushed back as the bloc dealt with US President Donald Trump’s threats to take over Greenland. This is not the first time X has faced trouble with EU regulators. In December 2025, the platform received a €120 million fine from the EU for breaking the Digital Services Act. The violations included misleading blue checkmarks, not being transparent about advertising, and preventing researchers from accessing the platform. Trump administration officials had strong words about that fine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance both criticized it heavily, calling it an attack on American technology platforms. Focus on risk assessment and content moderation The latest investigation focuses specifically on whether X properly assessed the risks of its AI chatbot and took enough steps to prevent the creation and spread of harmful content. The Digital Services Act requires large online platforms to identify and address risks related to illegal content and harm to users. The rapid production of such a large volume of inappropriate images in such a short time period raised alarm bells among digital safety advocates and lawmakers. The situation has become a test case for how EU regulations will handle emerging AI technologies. While the AI Act has been passed to govern artificial intelligence systems, this case is being pursued under the Digital Services Act, which covers online platform responsibilities. The investigation could lead to additional fines or requirements for X to change how Grok operates. The Commission has the power to impose penalties of up to six percent of a company’s global annual revenue for serious violations of the Digital Services Act. X has not yet publicly commented on the new investigation. The company’s handling of the situation will be closely watched as other countries consider their own regulatory responses . Multiple nations have already demanded urgent action to address the chatbot’s ability to create inappropriate images. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

26 Jan 2026, 12:30

Stablecoin rules stall South Korea’s digital asset legislation

Debates on South Korea’s comprehensive Digital Asset Basic Act have spilled into 2026 with no end in sight as regulators continue to clash over who should control stablecoin issuance and how far major cryptocurrency exchanges should be regulated. Lee Eog-weon, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) chair, had promised that the second-phase virtual asset legislation would be ready by the end of last year. However, divisions between the FSC, the Bank of Korea, industry participants, and political parties have pushed implementation into the new year, with no clear timeline for resolution. What is South Korea’s disagreement about stablecoins? The Bank of Korea also wants the issuance of won-pegged stablecoins to be dominated by banks, with Governor Rhee Chang-yong stating that the structure will help to prevent monetary policy complications and risks. The FSC does not share the same position with the Bank of Korea on this matter, as it calls for a more inclusive authorization system that would allow fintech companies and other approved entities to participate in the stablecoin market. Industry groups want more participation for fintechs, stating that excessive bank control will yield the adverse effect of stifling innovation. They say this will in turn affect South Korea’s ability to compete on the international stage as global digital payment systems advance. The proposed legislation would require stablecoin issuers to maintain reserves that are over 100% of their circulating supply. This reserve will be held exclusively in bank deposits or government bonds and must not be part of the issuer’s balance sheet. The draft also introduces no-fault liability for digital asset operators, making them responsible for user losses even when there’s no proof of negligence. Exchange ownership caps draws opposition A separate proposal that is being contested would see a cap on individual voting shares in major exchanges at 15% to 20%. The FSC argues that concentrated ownership allows founders to exercise excessive control and capture disproportionate profits from transaction fees. The restrictions will mean that those who own significant stakes in the affected companies that exceed 20% may have to divest some of their holdings. Industry critics warn the caps could violate property rights, destabilize management structures, and deter investment at a time when South Korean exchanges are faced with more competition. What are the implications if this bill continues to lag? The legislative impasse has blocked progress on related initiatives. Plans to launch spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, announced as part of the government’s 2026 economic growth strategy, cannot proceed without digital assets being recognized as underlying securities under the second-phase law. Korea Exchange has declared itself ready to list and trade crypto ETFs, but regulatory uncertainty continues to delay its fruition. A pilot program allowing approximately 3,500 corporations to transact in virtual assets, originally scheduled for the second half of last year, has similarly stalled. Financial authorities say they will only consider corporate access after implementing the broader legislative framework. These delays come as other jurisdictions advance. The US approved spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 and passed the GENIUS Act, its legislation on stablecoins in 2025. Hong Kong enacted stablecoin legislation in August 2025, while Japan launched its first yen-backed stablecoin in October. The People Power Party plans to introduce a separate second-phase bill through a special committee, suggesting that all National Assembly deliberations will only begin once that legislation is tabled. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

26 Jan 2026, 12:17

India to cut car import tariffs from 110% to 40% under new EU trade deal

India will lower taxes on cars brought in from European Union countries, dropping rates from as high as 110% down to 40%, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move marks the biggest step yet in opening India’s large auto market and could be announced as soon as Tuesday when the two sides reveal a new free trade agreement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has agreed to cut the tax right away on a set number of vehicles from the 27 EU countries, as long as those cars cost more than 15,000 euros, which equals about $17,739. Two sources that know about the discussions told Reuters this information. The tax will drop even more over time, going down to just 10%. This makes it easier for European car companies like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW to sell in India. Deal expected to boost bilateral trade The sources asked not to be named because the talks are private and things could still change at the last minute. India’s commerce ministry and the European Commission both said they would not comment. India and the EU expect to announce on Tuesday that they have finished long-running talks for the free trade deal . After that, both sides will work ou t fi nal details and approve what people are calling “the mother of all deals.” The agreement could increase trade between the two and help Indian exports of products like textiles and jewelry, which took a hit from 50% tariffs imposed by the United States since late August. India ranks as the world’s third-biggest car market by sales, coming after the United States and China. But its car industry has had strong protection from outside competition. Right now, New Delhi charges tariffs of 70% and 110% on cars brought in from other countries. Business leaders, including Tesla chief Elon Musk , have often criticized these high rates. New Delhi wants to cut import duties to 40% immediately for roughly 200,000 combustion-engine cars each year, one source said. This represents India’s most aggressive effort so far to open up the sector. The quota number might still change before everything is final, the source added. Electric battery vehicles will not see any import duty cuts for the first five years. This protects money already put in by Indian companies like Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors, which are building up this new part of the market, both sources said. After five years pass, electric vehicles will get similar tax cuts. European brands hold small share of Indian market Lower import taxes will help European carmakers such as Volkswagen, Renault and Stellantis , along with luxury brands Mercedes-Benz and BMW. These companies already make some cars in India but have had trouble growing beyond a certain point, partly because of the high tariffs. Cheaper taxes let carmakers sell imported vehicles at lower prices and try out the market with more models before deciding to build more cars in India, one of the two sources explained. European car companies hold less than 4% of India’s car market, which sells 4.4 million units each year. Japan’s Suzuki Motor dominates, and Indian brands Mahindra and Tata together control two-thirds of sales. The Indian market should grow to 6 million units yearly by 2030, and some companies are already planning new investments. Renault is returning to India with a fresh strategy as it looks for growth outside Europe, where Chinese carmakers are gaining ground. Volkswagen Group is working on its next round of investment in India through its Skoda brand. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

26 Jan 2026, 12:05

While You’re Debating If XRP Is Dead, Wall Street Is Doing This

Markets rarely signal their biggest transitions with noise. They sift through paperwork, filings, and balance sheet decisions long before sentiment catches up. While public debate continues to question XRP’s relevance, a quieter institutional realignment appears to be taking shape beneath the surface—one that suggests corporate finance teams may already be positioning for XRP’s next chapter. That emerging trend gained attention after a recent post by X Finance Bull, who drew focus to a growing list of publicly traded companies that have formally integrated XRP into their treasury strategies. Shared on X, the information points to verified corporate disclosures rather than speculative positioning, signaling a notable shift in how institutions view XRP. Corporate Treasury Adoption Accelerates Treasury strategy represents long-term conviction, not short-term price exposure. When companies allocate capital to a reserve asset, they embed it into liquidity planning and capital management frameworks. According to the disclosures highlighted by X Finance Bull, eight publicly traded firms have collectively committed more than $2 billion to XRP treasury reserves through announced or active programs. $2 BILLION $XRP STRATEGIC TREASURY RESERVE. That's how much institutions just committed to XRP treasury strategies 8 companies. Public filings. Real money. While you're debating if XRP is dead, they're buying The $XRP thread Wall Street doesn't want to go viral https://t.co/AuuTxuX1Zs pic.twitter.com/IYVgrgMJKN — X Finance Bull (@Xfinancebull) January 25, 2026 The most significant allocation comes from Evernorth, trading under the XRPN ticker , which committed over $1 billion to an XRP treasury strategy through a SPAC merger structure. Public records indicate that the company has already raised the capital and begun deploying it, marking the largest XRP treasury commitment to date. Mid- and Large-Cap Firms Follow the Lead Other companies have announced similarly deliberate moves. Trident Digital Tech disclosed a $500 million XRP treasury commitment, while Webus International confirmed a $300 million allocation . These figures reflect balance sheet decisions at scale, underscoring growing institutional confidence rather than exploratory exposure. Additional filings show diversification across industries. Vivopower, a sustainable energy firm, announced a $100 million XRP treasury strategy. Wellgistics, operating in healthcare logistics, followed with a $50 million commitment. Nature’s Miracle added a $20 million allocation tied to its AgTech operations, expanding XRP adoption beyond finance and technology. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Global Participation Strengthens the Narrative International participation further supports the trend. Japanese gaming company Gumi has already established active XRP holdings, while Hyperscale Data Inc. confirmed XRP positions within its data infrastructure treasury strategy. The geographic and sector diversity suggests a broader reassessment of XRP’s role as a reserve asset. A Familiar Institutional Playbook These developments echo the corporate treasury model popularized by Strategy with Bitcoin , though applied to XRP’s distinct utility profile. XRP’s deep liquidity, rapid settlement, and regulatory clarity following the conclusion of Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC appear to have strengthened its institutional appeal. Institutions Act Before Consensus Forms Institutional capital rarely waits for unanimous agreement. Treasury teams prioritize forward-looking risk assessments and structural advantage over public sentiment. As corporate disclosures continue to surface, XRP’s positioning within institutional finance appears to be evolving in real time. While retail debate persists, balance sheets are already telling a different story. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post While You’re Debating If XRP Is Dead, Wall Street Is Doing This appeared first on Times Tabloid .

26 Jan 2026, 11:57

Changpeng Zhao Says No Comeback to Binance Despite Donald Trump Pardon

Changpeng Zhao , the co-founder of Binance , has said he has no plans to rejoin the company , even though a recent pardon from US President Donald Trump would allow him to do so.

26 Jan 2026, 11:56

Earning Interest on Ethereum: Alternatives to ETH Staking

For some Ethereum holders staking appears as the only way to generate yield from ETH. In reality, staking is not always the most flexible option. Lock-ups, validator exposure, and operational complexity make staking unsuitable for many users, especially those who value liquidity or simpler risk profiles. Clapp Flexible Savings offers a clear alternative to ETH staking. Instead of bonding ETH to validators, it allows users to earn interest on their ETH holdings through a flexible savings model. Funds remain liquid, interest accrues daily, and withdrawals are available at any time—without lock-ups or staking mechanics. How ETH Staking Works ETH staking generates rewards by securing the Ethereum network. Your capital is bonded to validators, and returns depend on network conditions, validator performance, and protocol rules. Interest-based yield works differently. ETH is used as a financial asset rather than a security instrument. Yield comes from lending, treasury management, or structured financial strategies, not block validation. The result is a more familiar savings-style model, with clearer access terms and fewer technical dependencies. Common drawbacks of ETH staking Staking introduces several constraints that are often overlooked: Capital lock-up or delayed withdrawals Slashing and validator risk Yield variability tied to network activity Limited flexibility during market volatility These factors make staking less suitable for users who want to actively manage exposure or keep funds readily accessible. Flexible savings as a practical alternative One example of the interest-based model is Clapp Flexible Savings, which offers 4.2% APY on ETH without staking, lock-ups, or DeFi interaction. Interest accrues daily, funds remain liquid, and rates are clearly displayed in the app. ETH is not bonded to validators, meaning users can withdraw or rebalance at any time without penalties. From a user perspective, this functions closer to a savings account than a staking product. Clapp also extends this model to stablecoins and EUR, offering 5.2% APY, with EUR deposits supported via SEPA Instant. The platform operates as a registered VASP in the Czech Republic and uses Fireblocks for institutional-grade custody. Choosing the right ETH yield strategy The choice between staking and interest depends on priorities: Staking suits long-term holders comfortable with lock-ups and network-level risk. Interest-based ETH savings suit users who want yield with liquidity, simpler mechanics, and predictable access. Neither model is inherently superior. They serve different risk profiles and usage patterns. ETH Staking vs Interest-Based ETH Savings Feature ETH Staking Clapp Flexible Savings Yield type Protocol rewards Interest on ETH Typical APY ~3–4% (variable) 4.2% APY (fixed) Lock-up Yes (bonded or delayed withdrawals) No lock-ups Liquidity Limited Full, instant access Slashing risk Yes No Validator exposure Yes No Complexity Technical setup or delegation App-based, no setup Yield accrual Epoch-based Daily Capital flexibility Low High Suitable for Long-term passive holders Users who value liquidity Final thoughts Earning yield on Ethereum does not always require staking. For many users, earning interest on ETH provides a cleaner, more flexible approach when liquidity, simplicity, and capital control matter more than maximizing protocol-native rewards. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.