This week in tech is a mixed bag, ranging from dystopian AI exploitation to desperate moves by the ultra-wealthy. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant developments.
AI Ethics in Crisis: OpenAI & Grok
OpenAI is now openly asking contractors to upload past work samples so its AI agents can learn on real-world data. The catch? Contractors are responsible for scrubbing confidential information, a practice that raises serious privacy concerns. Meanwhile, Grok, X’s AI image generator, remains a haven for abuse. Despite being behind paywall now, it still allows the creation of sexually exploitative images targeting women in religious clothing. This demonstrates that monetization doesn’t fix ethical problems — it just shifts responsibility.
Why this matters: AI training relies on massive datasets, and companies are increasingly willing to outsource the ethical cleanup to individuals. Grok’s continued issues show that even behind a paywall, harmful content will persist if moderation isn’t prioritized.
Business & Wealth: Billionaires Flee, Nuclear Bets
The ultra-rich are panicking over proposed wealth taxes in California. Larry Page ’s apparent move to Florida is a clear sign of this anxiety. The proposed one-time tax is designed to address extreme wealth inequality, but it’s driving some of the wealthiest individuals to seek tax havens.
In contrast, Meta is making a huge investment in nuclear energy by financing Oklo ‘s uranium purchase. This is a bold move, signaling confidence in the future of nuclear power, even as challenges in scaling remain.
Why this matters: Wealth taxes are gaining traction as a tool to address inequality, but they also accelerate capital flight. Meta’s nuclear bet is a long-term play, acknowledging the energy demands of AI and the need for sustainable solutions.
Consumer Tech: Discounts & Hype
Samsung is offering discounts on the Galaxy Watch8, while Solawave is running a buy-one-get-one-free deal on its LED therapy wands. These are typical consumer promotions, but they highlight the relentless push for sales in a saturated market.
The latest tech buzzword, “Physical AI,” is gaining traction in the automotive industry. This refers to embedding AI directly into hardware, rather than relying on cloud connections, and could redefine the future of in-car experiences.
Why this matters: Consumer tech remains a competitive space, with discounts and trends driving sales. Physical AI is a significant shift, potentially reducing reliance on cloud services and enabling faster, more responsive automotive systems.
Science & Environment: Gene Editing & Boiling Oceans
Aurora Therapeutics, founded by Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna, is launching a startup to commercialize gene-editing treatments for rare diseases. This leverages new FDA regulatory pathways to accelerate the development of personalized medicine.
However, the planet continues to heat up. For the eighth consecutive year, the world’s oceans absorbed a record amount of heat in 2025, equivalent to boiling 2 billion Olympic swimming pools.
Why this matters: Gene editing is rapidly becoming a viable commercial opportunity, but it also raises ethical questions about access and equity. The escalating ocean temperatures are a stark reminder of the climate crisis, with potentially catastrophic consequences for marine ecosystems.
Conclusion: This week’s developments underscore the complex relationship between technological innovation, ethical responsibility, and societal impact. From AI exploitation to environmental crisis, the stakes are high, and the consequences are far-reaching. The future of tech will depend on how these challenges are addressed.
