AI image manipulation crosses the line when your photo becomes someone else's weapon. Someone screenshots your Instagram. Runs it through Grok. Removes your clothes without permission. The fake spreads across platforms while you sleep. This isn't hypothetical anymore.

 

Tech journalist Kris Abel walks Shane through the Grok controversy that prompted Indonesia to ban the feature entirely and Canada to fast-track Bill C-16, which adds deepfake creation to the criminal code. Elon Musk frames content restrictions as censorship, but governments aren't waiting for voluntary compliance. The conversation shifts to Apple's admission that its AI can't compete, leading to a partnership with Google's Gemini, then lands on Kawasaki's announcement that rideable robot horses will hit production by 2030.

 

Learn what happens when paying for a social media subscription unlocks abuse tools and why tech companies resist banning harmful features. Discover how search engine history is repeating itself with AI partnerships and what four-legged all-terrain vehicles say about innovation cycles.

 

GUEST: Kris Abel | realkrisabel.com


Originally aired on 2026-01-13

AI image manipulation crosses the line when your photo becomes someone else's weapon. Someone screenshots your Instagram. Runs it through Grok. Removes your clothes without permission. The fake spreads across platforms while you sleep. This isn't hypothetical anymore.
&nbsp;
Tech journalist Kris Abel walks Shane through the Grok controversy that prompted Indonesia to ban the feature entirely and Canada to fast-track Bill C-16, which adds deepfake creation to the criminal code. Elon Musk frames content restrictions as censorship, but governments aren't waiting for voluntary compliance. The conversation shifts to Apple's admission that its AI can't compete, leading to a partnership with Google's Gemini, then lands on Kawasaki's announcement that rideable robot horses will hit production by 2030.
&nbsp;
Learn what happens when paying for a social media subscription unlocks abuse tools and why tech companies resist banning harmful features. Discover how search engine history is repeating itself with AI partnerships and what four-legged all-terrain vehicles say about innovation cycles.
&nbsp;
GUEST: Kris Abel | realkrisabel.com
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-13

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.