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Welcome to The Prompt by Kuro House, your daily AI update. Today, we’re diving into some major moves in the AI and tech landscape that you need to know about. From legal battles to new tech rollouts and environmental concerns, we’ve got you covered.
First up, OpenAI is firmly denying liability in a heartbreaking lawsuit involving the suicide of a teenager after interactions with ChatGPT. According to The Verge, OpenAI argues that the tragic event resulted from misuse and unauthorized use of ChatGPT by the teen. The company highlighted that their terms of service prohibit access by minors without parental consent and that they have since added parental controls and new safeguards to better protect sensitive conversations. OpenAI also pointed out that the chatbot directed the teen to seek help from suicide prevention resources over 100 times. This lawsuit raises important questions about AI’s role in mental health and the responsibilities of AI providers.
In another shift, both OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot are being removed from WhatsApp due to changes in the messaging app’s terms of service. Dominic Preston at The Verge reports that Meta’s new rules, effective January 15, 2026, ban third-party AI chatbots from using WhatsApp Business API for distribution. This move essentially cuts off OpenAI and Microsoft from reaching users through WhatsApp, leaving Meta’s own AI as the sole chatbot option on the platform. Users of ChatGPT on WhatsApp can still link accounts to save chat history until the deadline, but Copilot users won’t have this luxury. This is a clear example of platform control shaping the AI ecosystem.
OpenAI is continuing to innovate with a host of new features and upgrades to ChatGPT, as detailed in a comprehensive TechCrunch article. Among the highlights, OpenAI launched a shopping feature in ChatGPT to help users find product recommendations by sharing photos or describing items. They also introduced group chats, allowing collaboration in one conversation across Free, Plus, and Pro tiers. On the AI model front, GPT-5.1 brings two new modes: Instant for warmer, conversational responses, and Thinking for faster, complex reasoning. Plus, OpenAI is rolling out parental controls, strengthening safeguards around sensitive topics, and expanding ChatGPT’s reach globally with affordable plans.
Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI is making a big environmental move by planning a solar farm next to its massive Colossus data center in Memphis. TechCrunch reports that the 88-acre solar installation aims to generate around 30 megawatts of power, roughly 10% of the data center’s energy needs. This comes amid controversy as xAI currently operates over 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines, which have raised pollution concerns in nearby communities. The company has permits to run some turbines temporarily while working on a larger 100-megawatt solar farm paired with grid-scale batteries for continuous clean energy supply. This project highlights the growing tension between AI infrastructure growth and environmental responsibility.
Finally, Wired brings us a deep dive into the Trump administration’s push to fast-track chemical approvals for data centers, potentially opening the door for new “forever chemicals.” The EPA is prioritizing rapid review of chemicals used in data center projects, including those for cooling technologies that may involve per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Experts warn that this deregulation could mean less oversight and increased environmental and health risks from these persistent chemicals. While the policy aims to speed up AI and data center expansion, critics worry about long-term safety and the influence of industry lobbying on regulatory processes. This story underscores the complex balance between technological advancement and environmental health.
So that’s a wrap for today’s top AI stories. From legal challenges and platform battles to new features and environmental impacts, the AI world is evolving rapidly with significant implications. As always, we’ll keep you informed on the developments that matter most. Thanks for listening to The Prompt by Kuro House. Catch you next time.
