AI Insights: Key Global Developments in January 2026

Welcome to the January 2026 edition of our global AI update.

The year has started with a noticeable shift in how AI is showing up in the real world. Model improvements continue, but the bigger story this month is deployment. Google is expanding Gemini deeper into search, browsing, audio, and video. Anthropic is taking Claude into healthcare and life sciences, signaling that regulated environments are no longer treated as exceptions.

Across enterprises, AI is being embedded directly into workflows. Retailers are rolling out AI assistants that plan, recommend, and transact. Infrastructure players are securing long-term compute and energy capacity. Regulators are adjusting timelines and issuing clearer guidance rather than slowing things down.

January makes one thing clear. AI is moving from experimentation to everyday infrastructure, and execution now matters more than novelty.

Generative AI Model Updates

• Google DeepMind – Gemini 3 Flash and App Features

  
  

  

  Source - Google

  Google rolled out several upgrades to its Gemini models. In December, Gemini 3 Flash (a faster variant of Gemini 3) was made the default for Google Search, improving speed for multimodal queries. Google also added SynthID video verification to the Gemini mobile app (marking AI-generated video content for provenance), and introduced GenTabs (Disco), an AI “browser agent” that synthesizes open tabs into usable information. Gemini’s audio models were upgraded as well, enabling human-like text-to-speech and speech-to-text with live translation (supporting 13 languages). Furthermore, Google is preparing a global launch of its largest multimodal models: Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro will roll out to ~170 countries in early 2026 (bringing advanced multimodal AI and video editing capabilities to Search). 

• Anthropic- Claude for Healthcare & Life Sciences

  
  

  

  Source- Anthropic 

  Anthropic extended its Claude model into regulated domains. In January, it introduced Claude for Healthcare (HIPAA-compliant Claude) and new life sciences tools. These updates allow enterprises to connect Claude to medical databases (e.g., CMS clinical modules, ICD-10 codes, NPI registries) and research platforms, enabling safe use of AI in healthcare workflows. Anthropic emphasizes that these advancements build on Claude Opus 4.5, its latest base model (noted for improved long-context reasoning). 

Enterprise AI Adoption & Industry Watch

• Microsoft Retail AI Tools

  
  

  

  Source - Microsoft

  Microsoft announced new AI-driven retail services (Jan. 8). It launched Copilot Checkout, which enables consumers to complete purchases directly within Copilot via integrations with PayPal, Shopify, Stripe, and others. Alongside this, Microsoft introduced Brand Agents on Shopify and a “Personal Shopping” agent template in Copilot Studio that companies can use to automate customer engagement and transactions. These tools signal Microsoft’s push to embed AI agent capabilities (commerce assistants, brand bots) into enterprise platforms. 

• IBM– Edge AI Platform 

  
  

  

  Source - IBM

  On Jan. 8, IBM announced a strategic expansion of its partnership with Datavault AI. Datavault will deploy AI at the edge across IBM’s SanQtum network (deployed in NYC/Philadelphia), using IBM’s watsonx.ai stack with SanQtum’s secure multi-party compute fabric. This collaboration focuses on running enterprise-grade AI (e.g. cybersecurity and analytics models) with privacy safeguards at edge locations. It underscores an industry trend: embedding AI pipelines close to data sources (especially in regulated sectors) and integrating them into existing enterprise security platforms. 

• Security & Compliance – Threat Modeling

  In cybersecurity, consolidation continues. On Jan. 8, ThreatModeler (an attack-surface modeling SaaS provider) acquired IriusRisk, a threat-modeling platform for software development. The combined company aims to offer end-to-end threat modeling and security design automation. For enterprises, this signals a growing market emphasis on AI-driven security by design – organizations should consider “threat model as code” tooling and the integration of such platforms into DevSecOps pipelines (especially as the software supply chain and AI application complexity increase). Source - ThreatModeler

• AI Infrastructure Partnerships

  
  

  

  Source- OpenAI 

  
  

  OpenAI and SoftBank made headlines on Jan 9, 2026, by jointly investing $1 billion in SoftBank’s SB Energy (a data-center developer) as part of SoftBank’s “Stargate” initiative. Each invested $500M to bolster SB Energy’s growth. Critically, OpenAI signed a 1.2 GW data center lease (Milam County, Texas) with SB Energy for the build-out of a new AI-optimized facility. This deal also establishes SB Energy as a major OpenAI customer (e.g., it will deploy ChatGPT internally) and establishes a joint data center design partnership. In effect, OpenAI is locking in on-premises compute at scale – a clear signal that hyperscale AI infrastructure (and related clean energy investment) is a strategic priority. 

• Retail & Consumer AI Tools

  Several major retailers announced agentic AI roll-outs at NRF 2026 (Jan 11, 2026). The Kroger Co. (US grocery chain) will adopt Google Cloud’s new Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience (CX) platform. This service lets Kroger deploy AI “shopping assistants” across its customer journey. Kroger’s announcement details the rollout of a “Meal assistant” and “Shopping assistant” nationwide – AI agents that can plan meals, build shopping lists, and integrate promotions, all grounded in Kroger’s own data. CEO-level quotes emphasize that these AI agents will handle multi-step tasks (recipe planning to cart checkout) while preserving customer preferences.  Source- KrogerScales

• The Home Depot 

  expanded its Google Cloud partnership at the same time. Home Depot is integrating Gemini models into several new features of its Magic Apron AI assistant. These include conversational project help (e.g., customers describe a DIY project and receive step-by-step advice), image-based interactions (e.g., upload a photo to find matching products), and real-time in-store guidance. For example, customers can ask Magic Apron where an aisle’s items are located (with AI-driven store map directions) or describe a remodeling project so the assistant can build a materials list. Home Depot also unveiled Google-powered route-planning for last-mile delivery and new AI-driven chat/SMS customer support, demonstrating an end-to-end deployment of agentic tools for consumers and store associates.  Source- TheHomeDepot

• Governance Research

  
  

  

  Source- NIST 

  
  

  At the intersection of law and AI, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a preliminary draft “Cybersecurity Framework Profile for Artificial Intelligence” (IR 8596) on Dec 16, 2025. This draft document (open for public comment through Jan 30, 2026) provides guidance on managing cybersecurity for AI systems. It specifies three focus areas: securing AI system components, using AI defensively, and countering AI-enabled cyber threats. NIST will hold a workshop Jan 14, 2026, to discuss this draft. For enterprises, the NIST profile provides a template for integrating AI into existing cybersecurity governance. Adopting these controls early (and providing feedback on the draft) can help firms align with emerging best practices.  Source- NIST 

  
  

  Regulatory & Governance Developments

  
  

  European Union

  
  

  

  Source- EU 

  The EU continued to evolve its AI Act framework. In December, the Council advanced the Digital Markets and Digital Operational Resilience Omnibus proposals, which – among other things – would delay enforcement of certain high-risk AI rules from August 2026 to December 2027. It also proposed amendments to GDPR to explicitly allow use of EU personal data for AI training (to clarify “legitimate interest” grounds). In parallel, the European Commission has launched complementary measures (voluntary initiatives) to smooth the transition; for example, the AI Pact invites companies to voluntarily comply with key AI Act obligations early. Organizations should monitor this evolving package: while some deadlines may shift, enterprises must continue auditing AI systems, updating documentation and copyright compliance, and preparing risk assessments for high-risk applications per the AI Act’s requirements. EU-wide AI sandboxes and codes of practice (e.g., for generative AI content) are also expected to roll out soon.  Source- EU 

• China

  
  

  

  Source- CLT

  China’s cyberspace regulator (CAC) released draft rules (Dec. 27) governing AI services that “simulate human personality” (e.g., chatbots). The proposals would require AI providers to implement usage safeguards: warnings against excessive use, interventions to prevent addiction, and designated responsible staff for safety. Content controls are also tightened – for instance, AI outputs must not endanger state security or violate social morals (banning disallowed content like pornography or hate speech). Chinese firms operating large-language AI applications should prepare for these rules by building in consumption limits, clear disclaimers, and robust content filtering to meet CAC’s draft requirements.  Source- CLT

• India

  
  

  

  Source- GOI

  The Indian government continued to develop its AI policy framework. In late December, the Ministry of Commerce extended public consultations on its draft “Generative AI and Copyright” working paper through Feb. 6, 2026. This indicates new regulations (e.g., for content royalties or data rights) may be finalized in early 2026. Separately, India is preparing to host a Global AI Impact Summit in February 2026 (announced in 2023) to discuss AI governance across sectors. Companies operating in India should engage with DPIIT’s ongoing consultations and be ready for new IP/data norms. They should also track emerging national standards (e.g. forthcoming voluntary guidelines and IndiaAI platform releases) that are intended to “foster innovation with responsibility” in the Indian market. 

Looking Ahead

In the months ahead, expect less focus on headline model launches and more attention on how AI systems are integrated into products, operations, and regulated environments. Agent-based tools will continue to spread, especially in customer experience, security, and internal operations.

Regulatory activity will become more practical. In Europe, timelines may shift, but compliance expectations remain. In the US, cybersecurity and AI risk management will take center stage. India and China are moving toward clearer rules around data, content, and usage behavior.

For enterprises, the gap will widen between teams that redesign workflows around AI and those that treat it as an add-on. The former will scale. The latter will stall.

To Wrap Things Up

January 2026 shows that AI is no longer about testing what is possible. It is about building systems that work reliably, safely, and at scale.

The organizations that pull ahead this year will not be the ones using the newest model, but the ones that integrate AI thoughtfully into how work actually gets done, while keeping governance and risk in step with growth.

Stay informed with our regulatory updates and join us next month for the latest developments in risk management and compliance!

For any feedback or requests for coverage in future issues (e.g., additional countries or topics), please contact us at info@riskinfo.ai. We hope you found this newsletter insightful.

Best regards,

The RiskInfo.ai Team