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Inkling 975B, Stripe $53B PayPal bid, EU hits Meta DSA

AIThursday, July 16, 2026· 11 videos

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EU targets Meta addictive features

The European Union escalated enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) against Meta, focusing on design features like infinite scroll, autoplay, and push notifications. Regulators argue these mechanisms create systemic risks by driving addiction and amplifying algorithmic echo chambers. Non-compliance could trigger fines of up to 6% of global turnover, potentially exceeding $10 billion. The move signals a shift toward regulating product design rather than entire platforms.

WhatsApp forced open to rivals

EU antitrust action has compelled Meta to reopen WhatsApp APIs to third-party AI providers. Services from OpenAI and Anthropic are returning after prior restrictions in 2025. The decision reinforces Europe’s push for interoperability and competition in messaging ecosystems. It could reshape distribution for AI assistants by restoring access to massive user bases.

Inkling 975B challenges closed models

Thinking Machines Lab, led by Mira Murati, launched Inkling, an open-weights model with 975 billion parameters and 41 billion active via mixture-of-experts. The system emphasizes flexibility and enterprise customization over raw benchmark dominance. Its release positions the company against closed approaches from OpenAI and Anthropic. The strategy mirrors a Red Hat–style model, monetizing services around open infrastructure.

Anthropic ad sparks risk debate

Anthropic released a stark campaign highlighting AI dangers, featuring imagery tied to surveillance, labor, and societal harm. CEO Dario Amodei has warned of up to 25% probability of severe AI outcomes. He also projects AI could eliminate 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs within 1–5 years. The campaign drew backlash, with critics questioning whether fear-based messaging builds trust.

Stripe bids $53B for PayPal

Stripe, with Advent International, offered $53 billion to acquire PayPal, or about $60.50 per share, a 28% premium. The deal is backed by roughly $50 billion in bank financing, indicating a leveraged structure. PayPal, down over 80% from its peak, still generates $5.5 billion in annual free cash flow and serves 400 million users. The acquisition would give Stripe a powerful consumer-facing layer via Venmo and checkout integrations.

ChatGPT Work 5.6 expands usage

OpenAI updated ChatGPT Work 5.6, growing to 9 million subscribers and adding flexible token usage. The platform removed rigid 5-hour limits, allowing users to spend weekly quotas in a single session. New plans include multiple token resets and promotions offering up to $100 in credits. The changes aim to strengthen retention amid intensifying competition with Anthropic.

AI costs surge, ROI questioned

Enterprise AI spending is rising দ্রুত, with token costs doubling every 45 days in some cases. Studies show 16% of firms report negative ROI, while 73% say results fall below expectations. Despite this, adoption remains high, with companies like Uber using AI in 99% of engineering workflows. A duopoly led by OpenAI and Anthropic is capturing most of the value as revenues soar.

AI transforms motorsports strategy

OpenAI is collaborating with Chip Ganassi Racing to turn fragmented racing data into actionable insights. Teams are shifting from spreadsheet-heavy workflows to AI-native systems that integrate telemetry and historical performance. This enables faster scenario testing and decision-making during races. The shift highlights how AI is becoming a competitive edge even in highly specialized, data-intensive sports.

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