Starlink restrictions could weaken Ukraine's defence against Russian attack drones. AI models with their safeguards removed raise terrorism concerns. And memory shortages are driving up device prices as smartphone and PC shipments plunge.
On Hashtag Trending for Thursday, October 15, 2026, host Jim Love examines five technology stories:
• Starlink and Ukraine: Ukrainian officials report disrupted drone missions and warn about the impact on interceptors targeting jet-powered Shahed drones. Political pressure is suspected, but the cause remains unconfirmed.
• AI safety: Researchers test 134 AI models, including commercial and open-weight systems. Modified versions known as "abliterated" models have their safety safeguards removed. The episode examines the findings, their limitations and Grok's response to a request for help manipulating public opinion.
• Smartphone and PC shipments: Counterpoint reports smartphone shipments fell 20% year over year to their lowest third-quarter level since 2012. IDC reports PC shipments dropped 20.1% to 62.7 million units as memory shortages, higher prices and earlier stockpiling reshape the market.
• Windows 11 Remote Desktop: Microsoft confirms recent updates can prevent non-admin users from connecting to managed computers with Administrator protection enabled.
• Meta Pixel and video privacy: A US Supreme Court case examines who qualifies as a protected consumer under the videotape-era Video Privacy Protection Act, with potential consequences for advertising-funded video services.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Today's Tech Headlines
00:50 Starlink Restrictions and Ukraine's Drone Defence
04:32 Europe's Reaction to Starlink Restrictions
05:48 Abliterated AI Models and Safety Risks
09:35 Smartphone Shipments Fall 20%
10:20 PC Shipments Plunge Amid Memory Shortages
12:04 Windows 11 Update Breaks Remote Desktop
12:51 Supreme Court, Meta Pixel and Video Privacy
15:26 Wrap-Up and Subscribe
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