Global Tech News: Netflix Sues ByteDance, AI Models Evolve, and Gaming Console Delays

Netflix Declares War on AI Piracy: ByteDance Given 3-Day Ultimatum

In a dramatic escalation of the AI copyright wars, Netflix has threatened ByteDance with "immediate litigation" over its Seedance 2.0 AI service. The streaming giant sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding the Chinese company remove Netflix's intellectual property from training datasets within three days.

Netflix's director of litigation, Mindy LeMoine, called Seedance a "high-speed piracy engine" that generates "mass quantities of unauthorized derivative works" using iconic characters from Stranger Things, Squid Game, Bridgerton, and KPop Demon Hunters. The letter specifically cited unauthorized videos showing Season 4 costumes from Bridgerton and detailed reproductions of Stranger Things monsters including Demogorgons and the Mindflayer.

This move follows similar actions by Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros., making it a united front by major studios against AI-generated copyright infringement. Netflix's letter explicitly preempted a "fair use" defense, arguing that using copyrighted works to create competing commercial products is not protected.

Read more: Variety - Netflix Threatens Immediate Litigation

Anthropic Unveils Claude Sonnet 4.6: Better at Using Computers

Anthropic has launched Claude Sonnet 4.6, the latest version of its AI model that "approaches Opus-level intelligence." The new model features significant improvements in coding and computer use, including tasks like navigating spreadsheets and filling out web forms.

Sonnet 4.6 is now replacing Sonnet 4.5 as the default model for both free and Pro Claude users. This release continues Anthropic's rapid iteration strategy as AI companies compete for supremacy in the agent and coding domains.

Sony May Delay Next-Gen Console to 2029 Due to AI Memory Demands

In a surprising twist, Sony might push the debut of its next-generation PlayStation console back to 2029. The delay is reportedly due to AI memory demands affecting the global semiconductor supply chain.

The AI boom has created unprecedented demand for advanced memory chips, forcing console manufacturers to reconsider their production timelines. This delay would extend the current console generation's lifecycle and could reshape the gaming industry's competitive landscape.

Amazon Shelves Blue Jay Robotics System

Amazon has quietly shelved its Blue Jay robotics system, just months after launching it in October 2025. The system was designed as "an extra set of hands" for warehouse employees but wasn't compatible with the smaller, more flexible same-day delivery centers that Amazon is now prioritizing.

The shift reflects Amazon's strategic pivot toward micro-fulfillment centers, including locations in the back of Whole Foods stores. This decision highlights the challenges of deploying large-scale robotics systems in rapidly evolving logistics environments.

YouTube Outage Resolved After Recommendations System Failure

YouTube experienced a partial outage on Tuesday night that knocked out access to Google's video service starting just before 8PM ET. The platform has since been restored.

According to YouTube's support page, the outage was caused by problems with the recommendations system. The company confirmed that "the issue with our recommendations system has been resolved and all of our platforms (YouTube.com, the YouTube app, YouTube Music, Kids, and TV) are back to normal."

Snapchat Launches Creator Subscriptions

Starting February 23rd, Snapchat's 946 million daily active users will be able to subscribe to specific creators. The feature offers ad-free viewing of creator stories, priority replies, and access to exclusive content.

The launch puts Snapchat in direct competition with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube subscription offerings. Initial creators include Skai Jackson and Jeremiah Brown, with more expected to join the platform.

The Bottom Line

This week's tech news reveals an industry in rapid transformation. From major studios fighting AI copyright infringement to AI models becoming more capable of computer use, the technology landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed. Meanwhile, hardware delays and robotics pivots show that even tech giants must adapt to the AI-driven supply chain realities of 2026.

Stay tuned for more updates as these stories develop!