Senators demand answers from TikTok over experiment that disabled safeguards

techcrunch.com Aug 20, 2026

Senators demand answers from TikTok over experiment that disabled safeguards

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 20, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal have demanded answers from TikTok regarding an experiment that disabled a safety algorithm for 15 million U.S. users. The senators sent a letter to CEO Shou Chew and U.S. CEO Adam Presser, labeling the decision “depraved.” Bloomberg reported the company withheld the safeguard, designed to prevent harmful content overload, from 10% of users to test engagement impacts. One affected user was 16-year-old Chase Nasca, who died by suicide after being fed thousands of videos about sadness and loneliness. The lawmakers are seeking answers to 13 questions, including employee involvement and reasons for including minors. They also requested a list of all U.S. experiments where safety features were disabled or delayed. TikTok has until September 1 to respond. The company did not immediately comment on TechCrunch’s request for information regarding the investigation into these controversial algorithmic practices.

💡 Why It Matters

· The inclusion of minors in a control group that removed safety protections exposes a critical failure in corporate ethics and regulatory oversight.
· This specific case forces a direct confrontation between algorithmic engagement metrics and user safety, setting a potential legal precedent for how social media platforms must justify experimental design choices involving vulnerable populations.

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ChatGPT can now send texts for you with new Apple Messages plugin

OpenAI has launched a new Apple Messages plugin for ChatGPT, enabling users to integrate their iMessage inboxes directly with the AI chatbot. This integration allows individuals to sort, analyze, and edit messages within the ChatGPT interface. The tool supports both personal and professional use cases, including compatibility with Codex and ChatGPT Work. Features include drafting and sending messages on behalf of users, searching historical message data, and suggesting follow-up responses based on previous conversations. OpenAI states the plugin operates locally on user devices and does not create a centralized index of message content. However, the company warns against enabling persistent approval for message sending, as this bypasses the final human review step before transmission. TechCrunch has contacted OpenAI for further clarification regarding specific privacy implications and data handling procedures associated with this new functionality.

💡 The integration of AI into personal communication channels raises immediate concerns about data privacy and user control. By allowing an AI model to draft and send messages without mandatory human review, the feature shifts the responsibility for content accuracy and tone entirely to the user’s oversight capabilities.

9to5google.com · Aug 20

Google says this Android Auto update should fix random disconnects & freezes

Google has confirmed that recent updates to Android Auto address widespread reports of random disconnects and freezes experienced by users over the past month. The technical issues, which affected a variety of Android phones and vehicle combinations, caused the navigation system to freeze or disconnect every few minutes, creating significant frustration for drivers relying on the platform for behind-the-wheel guidance. While the problem was not universal, it impacted a substantial number of users. A Google Community Specialist stated that the engineering team has implemented a fix in Android Auto version 17.4 and newer. Users are advised to update their applications to this latest version via the Play Store to resolve the instability. Additionally, version 17.5 is currently available in the beta track and is beginning to roll out to stable users, ensuring broader access to the corrected software.

💡 Reliable connectivity is non-negotiable for in-car navigation systems, where sudden failures pose safety risks rather than mere inconveniences. By rapidly deploying a fix for these widespread glitches, Google reinforces the stability of its automotive ecosystem, ensuring drivers can trust the platform for critical route guidance without interruption.

memeburn.com · Aug 20

Robinhood Agentic Trading Now Supports Crypto, Letting AI Agents Trade Digital Assets…

Robinhood announced on August 17, 2026 that its Agentic Trading platform now supports cryptocurrency for eligible U.S. users, extending AI‑driven execution beyond equities and options. The feature creates a dedicated “Agentic Account” that is isolated from a user’s main brokerage holdings and can only access funds deposited into that account. Through the Trading MCP (Model Context Protocol) server, agents built on Claude, ChatGPT, Codex, Cursor, Grok and other compatible clients can research tickers, construct thematic portfolios and place crypto trades 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Users receive push notifications for every transaction, can view real‑time profit‑and‑loss in the app, and may terminate the agent with a single tap. Limited margin is available using unsettled stock or option proceeds, but leverage and borrowing remain disabled. Up to ten separate Agentic Accounts can be maintained per user, each with its own budget.

💡 It gives retail investors automated access to nonstop crypto markets, a capability previously limited to professional traders and bots.

cfotech.in · Aug 20

Xero expands AI, payroll and payments tools for businesses

Xero has launched a suite of new payroll, payments and artificial‑intelligence features aimed at small businesses and accounting firms. The centerpiece, JAX, an AI engine embedded in Xero’s ledger, automates document collection, reconciliation, anomaly detection and real‑time record updates. Integrated with Microsoft 365, Claude and ChatGPT, JAX also runs health checks, flags cash‑flow risks and suggests corrective actions. Additional tools include Smart Document Capture, which extracts data from source files, and an expanded Auto Bank Reconciliation that matches transactions, explains matches and highlights exceptions, reportedly cutting reconciliation time by about half for users. The Partner Hub now lets accountants request documents, send reminders and match files with transactions, while cash‑flow management features predict shortfalls and support payment follow‑ups for clients.

💡 By consolidating AI‑driven bookkeeping and cash‑flow forecasting into a single platform, Xero gives small firms a faster path to financial clarity, freeing resources for growth.

9to5google.com · Aug 20

Gboard starts rolling out new ‘Emoji size’ setting

Google is introducing a new “Emoji size” setting to Gboard beta users, coinciding with the rollout of Rambler and updated 3D emojis for the Pixel 11 series. Accessible via Settings > Preferences > Appearance, the feature includes a slider positioned below the Font size option. This control allows users to adjust both the individual emoji dimensions and the quantity displayed per row. A live preview appears above the slider to demonstrate changes in real time. The default setting is 9, with the minimum set at 5. On Pixel 10 Pro devices, available increments include 9, 8, 8+, 7, 7+, 6, and 5. The “plus” variants increase emoji size while maintaining row density. The adjustment applies to the main emoji page but excludes the Emoji Kitchen row. This update enables users to better appreciate the intricate details of Google’s redesigned emoji library. The feature is currently available in Gboard beta version 18.0.3.x.

💡 Customizable emoji dimensions allow users to optimize screen real estate while enhancing the visual fidelity of Google’s new 3D designs. This granular control bridges the gap between aesthetic appreciation and functional keyboard usability.

windowscentral.com · Aug 19

5 more must-have Windows 11 apps — this time from Reddit and…

Sean Endicott, a News Writer at Windows Central, reports on Windows 11, Surface hardware, Microsoft 365, AI, and the broader Windows ecosystem. With over a thousand articles since 2017, he covers breaking news, feature stories, and analysis of Microsoft’s software and hardware developments. Endicott also authors the weekly Windows Wrap column, curating key stories across Windows and the PC landscape. Prior to Windows Central, he earned a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism and worked in live media production. He coaches youth American football in Nottingham, earning the 2024 BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year award.

💡 Endicott’s dual expertise in journalism and technical reporting provides readers with timely, context-rich insights into Microsoft’s evolving ecosystem, enhancing informed decision‑making for users and professionals alike.