💰 The world’s most popular TikToker has licensed his face for three years — for $1 billion Commercial rights to the brand of Khaby Lame were acquired by Rich Sparkle Holdings. The deal allows the company to use the TikToker’s image without his constant involvement — instead, an AI double will take over. The digital avatar will be able to produce content, run advertisements, and host multilingual livestreams 24/7 across different time zones. To replicate Lame’s style and reactions, the system will use his face, voice, and behavioral patterns. The deal is estimated at $900–975 million. According to analysts, revenues from livestream commerce and product lines could reach up to $4 billion a year. At the same time, Lame retains a controlling stake in the company. Would you let an AI clone work instead of you?

🦠 A deadly virus outbreak has been reported in India — with... bats believed to be the carriers Five cases of Nipah virus infection have been confirmed. It is a highly lethal pathogen for which no vaccine or effective treatment currently exists. Among those infected are a doctor, a nurse, and another healthcare worker. The nurse is in a coma and is believed to have been infected while treating a patient with severe respiratory symptoms. Authorities have traced around 180 contacts, with 20 people placed under quarantine. The virus can spread from animals to humans and between people. In India, bats are considered the primary source of infection. The disease may be asymptomatic or lead to severe respiratory complications and brain inflammation. Let’s hope 2026 turns out to be another 2016 — and not 2019.

Intel is cutting production of consumer PC processors The company will prioritize Intel Xeon and other chips needed for AI data centers. Intel is not planning to fully abandon its Core lineup for now, but shortages and rising prices should be expected.