Tobias

West Virginia is suing Apple, alleging the tech giant has failed to prevent child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its devices and iCloud. The lawsuit claims Apple prioritized privacy over child safety, unlike competitors using detection systems. Apple previously abandoned plans for CSAM detection due to privacy backlash but faces ongoing criticism for its efforts. The state seeks damages and mandated CSAM detection measures, while Apple maintains its commitment to child safety through existing features.

Accenture now mandates AI tool usage for leadership promotions, requiring senior staff to demonstrate adoption for advancement. This policy, aimed at embedding AI across operations and client services, excludes certain European countries and U.S. government contract roles. The company is heavily investing in AI upskilling, with hundreds of thousands of employees already trained. Partnerships with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Palantir are expanding AI capabilities and training within Accenture.

Figma’s stock jumped 15% after reporting Q4 earnings, ultimately closing up 7%. The design software maker exceeded revenue expectations with $303.8 million, a 40% year-over-year increase, though it posted a net loss. For Q1, Figma forecasts revenue of $315-317 million, exceeding analyst estimates. Analysts remain optimistic about Figma’s AI integration and growth drivers, despite broader market concerns surrounding AI’s disruptive potential. The company’s partnership with Anthropic further solidifies its position in the evolving AI landscape.

Proptech funding surged in early 2026, with a significant increase in capital despite stable deal volume. Investors are concentrating on fewer, larger, and more established platforms, driven by generative AI’s accelerating impact. This shift is reallocating capital towards AI models and prompting real estate firms to re-evaluate their tech infrastructure. While diverse funding sources and geographic activity are noted, the trend highlights a dynamic environment rewarding clear business models and strategic investment.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has halted a proposal for commercial robotaxi services, a significant setback for companies like Waymo. The decision came after a lack of legislative support and opposition from labor unions and drivers concerned about safety and jobs. While Waymo expressed disappointment, they remain committed to future collaboration in New York and continue their expansion plans in other U.S. cities and internationally. The autonomous vehicle sector faces increasing competition and scrutiny following recent safety incidents.

Bill Gates has withdrawn from his keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit due to emerging details from unsealed documents related to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. While the Gates Foundation cited a desire to keep the focus on the summit’s priorities, speculation intensified following conflicting reports and Gates’ prior denial of any wrongdoing. The summit features prominent tech leaders and policymakers, with the Gates Foundation having a substantial history of investment in India.

Walmart’s cautious guidance has dampened retail sentiment, contrasting with Wayfair’s sales growth and Etsy’s earnings beat. The Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes revealed differing views on future interest rates. In biotech, the U.S. faces competition from China in early drug development, though Moderna’s mRNA flu shot gained FDA review. Mark Zuckerberg testified in a landmark social media trial, and airlines are increasingly prioritizing credit card loyalty in their frequent flyer programs.

Stock futures suggest a cautious open as investors assess mixed corporate earnings and geopolitical factors. Walmart’s subdued outlook and rising oil prices are key concerns. Boeing saw a significant order surge, signaling a potential turnaround. Deere raised its profit forecast, driven by strong agricultural and construction demand. eBay’s acquisition of Depop and positive quarterly results boosted its stock. Analog Devices’ chips are vital for the growing data center market. American Airlines selected CFM engines for its new fleet. DoorDash’s international segment showed strength despite missed earnings. Dell is poised for upside due to AI demand, while Wayfair faces profitability challenges despite market share gains.

Etsy’s stock rose after selling its fashion resale app Depop to eBay for $1.2 billion, signaling a focus on its core marketplace. While Q4 earnings beat expectations, revenue and gross merchandise sales slightly missed targets, partly due to a prior divestiture. The Depop sale aims to streamline operations, while eBay enhances its presence in the growing fashion resale market. Etsy’s active seller base grew, though active buyers saw a minor dip. Future GMS guidance indicates a cautious outlook.

DoorDash stock rallied Thursday despite a Q4 earnings miss, as investors focused on early signs of strategic gains from aggressive investments. While initial results and near-term guidance disappointed, analysts viewed the spending as a precursor to future growth and efficiency. Positive trends in core and new segments, alongside successful subscriber growth and the Deliveroo acquisition’s global market expansion, appeased investor concerns, driving the stock’s rebound.