Top stories
Palantir CEO Alex Karp Criticizes Frontier AI Labs Over Data Control and IP
Palantir CEO Alex Karp reiterated his criticism of frontier AI labs like Anthropic and OpenAI, stating that enterprises should not have to surrender intellectual property to use their models. Karp argued that businesses should maintain control over their own models and data, working with application-layer companies like Palantir to keep data in-house. This stance highlights ongoing industry debate regarding data ownership and control in AI development.
Snap to Detail $2,195 AR Specs at September 16 Event
Snap will host an event on September 16 to provide an in-depth look at its standalone augmented reality glasses, Specs. The glasses, priced at $2,195, are expected to ship in the US, UK, and France this fall, with CEO Evan Spiegel demonstrating their features. Spiegel previously stated that mass-market adoption is not anticipated until closer to the end of the decade.
US Tech Giants' Hidden Debt Reaches $1.65 Trillion Due to AI Investments
Hidden debts among five major U.S. tech companies have surged to $1.65 trillion, driven by AI-related investments and long-term contracts. These liabilities exceed the $1.35 trillion reflected in official financial statements, complicating investor risk assessment.
Liechtenstein's Register of Beneficial Owners Breached, 31,000 Records Exfiltrated
A cyberattack on Liechtenstein's Register of Beneficial Owners resulted in the exfiltration of data belonging to approximately 31,000 individuals. The breach, which occurred from Wednesday night into Thursday last week, compromised a critical financial transparency tool used to combat money laundering and terror financing in the principality.
Visa Acquires Fraud Prevention Firm BioCatch for $2.4 Billion
Visa is acquiring BioCatch, a fraud prevention company, for $2.4 billion in cash. This acquisition integrates BioCatch's behavioral biometrics technology into Visa's services to enhance cybersecurity and financial crime detection, addressing a global economy cost of over $1 trillion annually from scams and account takeovers.
OpenAI and Anthropic Increase Lobbying Spending Ahead of Elections
OpenAI and Anthropic spent a combined $3.17 million on federal lobbying in Q2 2026, marking a 23% increase from Q1. This surge occurs as AI companies intensify efforts to influence legislation ahead of midterm elections and their upcoming IPOs.
Asus Releases New ProArt Displays for Professional Content Creation
Asus has released two new ProArt displays: the 27-inch 4K PA27UCGE and the 32-inch 4K PA32UCDMR OLED monitor. The PA27UCGE features a 160Hz refresh rate and a built-in motorized colorimeter, while the PA32UCDMR offers a 240Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, and an included external calibrator. Both monitors are designed for photo and video editing professionals, offering high refresh rates and calibration tools.
Horizon3 Raises $250M Series E, Reaching $2 Billion Valuation
Cybersecurity startup Horizon3 secured $250 million in Series E funding, increasing its valuation from $650 million to $2 billion in 14 months. The funding, co-led by NightDragon and NEA, will support the company's growth as enterprises seek solutions for continuous, automated vulnerability testing against escalating AI-driven threats.
Amgen Discloses Data Breach Affecting Patient Health and Proprietary Information
Biotechnology company Amgen reported a data breach where threat actors stole corporate data and patient information from third-party cloud systems. The unauthorized activity was detected in July 2026, leading to an ongoing investigation into the scope of the exfiltrated data, which includes proprietary information and protected health information.
ShinyHunters Leaks Brinks Home Data After Breach Affecting 4.9 Million Records
Brinks Home, a residential security company, experienced a data breach identified on July 20, with the ShinyHunters extortion group claiming responsibility. ShinyHunters has leaked over 41 gigabytes of data, including 4.9 million Salesforce records with personally identifiable information (PII), after Brinks Home did not pay a ransom. The breach did not affect alarm monitoring or system functionality.
Arch Linux Disables AUR Package Adoption and Pushes Due to Malware Influx
Arch Linux has disabled package adoption and pushes in its Arch User Repository (AUR) following an increase in malicious package adoptions and commits. This measure was taken to prevent the spread of malware, including remote-access trojans (RATs) and info-stealers, which attempt to upload user data and spread laterally across systems. The disablement is temporary while the Arch Linux DevOps team addresses the security situation.
Amazon EKS Introduces Kubernetes Version Rollback and Extended Support
Amazon EKS now supports Kubernetes version rollbacks, allowing users to revert a cluster's control plane to its previous Kubernetes version within seven days of an upgrade. This feature provides a safety net for quick recovery from problematic updates. Additionally, EKS has introduced Extended Support for Kubernetes versions, making each version available for 26 months.
Judge Dismisses Google's DMCA Scraping Lawsuit, Reddit's Similar Case Proceeds
A judge dismissed Google's lawsuit against SerpApi, which alleged DMCA 1201 violations for scraping Google's search results, finding Google's claim unfounded. However, Google plans to refile its complaint. Separately, a judge largely denied SerpApi's motion to dismiss a similar lawsuit from Reddit, allowing Reddit's DMCA claim regarding scraping copyrighted content from Google search results to proceed.
Kimi K3: New 2.8 Trillion-Parameter Open AI Model with Vision Capabilities Released
Kimi has introduced Kimi K3, a 2.8 trillion-parameter AI model with built-in vision capabilities and a 1-million-token context window. This open-source model, while not as powerful as proprietary models, shows competitive performance across various benchmarks, including a strong showing against Fable 5. Kimi K3 offers new potential for AI applications but faces cost and speed challenges.
Nscale Acquires Anyscale for $1.65 Billion to Expand AI Compute Stack
British AI neocloud Nscale has acquired software startup Anyscale for an estimated $1.65 billion. This acquisition integrates Anyscale's AI workload scaling capabilities, built around the open-source Project Ray framework, into Nscale's infrastructure, allowing Nscale to offer a more comprehensive AI compute stack from energy and data centers to workload management.
Major Labels Propose Rules to Exclude AI-Generated Music from Global Charts
Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group, alongside other labels, are advocating for new regulations to prevent AI-generated songs from entering global music charts. Their proposal requires songs to be "substantially human-made" and adhere to specific legal criteria regarding AI use, aiming to address concerns about streaming fraud and unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
Northwestern University introduces motion-blur cloaked Phantom Twist drone
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed the Phantom Twist drone, which spins at 25 RPM, rendering it nearly invisible due to motion blur. This design, which leverages AI for optimization, is ten times less visible than standard quadcopters, potentially advancing drone stealth technology.
H96 TV Streaming Sticks Implicated in Ad Fraud and Proxy Network Operation
Bitsight researchers uncovered a widespread ad fraud operation, named Fuyao and attributed to Zhejiang Fengwo IoT Technology Co., Ltd., involving H96 TV streaming sticks. These devices spoof mobile phones to click ads on AI-generated websites and also function as SOCKS5 proxy exit nodes, while secretly collecting user hardware and installed app information. This activity highlights security vulnerabilities and fraudulent practices within generic streaming devices, impacting online advertising and user privacy.
AI Chatbots Outperform Humans in Romance and 'Pig Butchering' Scams
A study conducted by four universities found that AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, are more effective than human scammers at building trust in romance and "pig butchering" scams. This development indicates an increased threat in online fraud, as AI can more effectively manipulate victims over extended periods.
Valve Funds Port of Open-Source RADV Vulkan Driver to Windows
Valve is sponsoring Collabora developers to port the open-source RADV Vulkan driver, a key component of the Linux graphics stack for AMD GPUs, to Microsoft Windows. This initiative aims to bring an open-source Vulkan implementation to Windows users, offering benefits like a shared codebase and easier debugging across platforms, and has already enabled games like Counter-Strike 2 to run.
Apple Services Revenue Misses Expectations Due to Gaming Slowdown and App Store Changes
Apple's services revenue in the fiscal third quarter reached $30.74 billion, falling short of Wall Street expectations of $31.22 billion. CFO Kevan Parekh attributed this miss to a slowdown in mobile gaming and changes to the App Store's business model, which now allows developers to process payments outside Apple's commission system in certain countries, including the U.S.
Tim Cook's Final Apple Earnings Call Precedes CEO Transition to John Ternus
Tim Cook conducted his final earnings call as Apple CEO during the company's fiscal third-quarter 2026 results discussion, confirming that John Ternus will lead future calls. Cook will transition to executive chairman on September 1, with Ternus becoming CEO, inheriting challenges such as memory shortages, device price increases, and AI development. Apple reported $109.42 billion in revenue for the quarter.
Okta Acquires AI Identity Security Startup Permiso for Reported $200 Million
Okta has signed an agreement to acquire Permiso Security, an AI identity security startup, for a reported $200 million in an all-cash deal. This acquisition expands Okta's identity management capabilities to include continuous monitoring and threat detection for human, non-human, and AI agent identities in multi-cloud environments, addressing the growing need for securing autonomous software deployments.
Hush Security Raises $30 Million to Secure Enterprise AI Agents
Hush Security, a Tel Aviv-based cybersecurity startup, secured $30 million in Series A funding, bringing its total raised to $41 million. The funding will be used to expand its platform for securing enterprise AI agents, focusing on identity and access management for autonomous AI within sensitive systems.
Google Cloud Introduces AI Security Blueprint for Kubernetes Engine
Google Cloud has released a security blueprint for AI workloads on Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE). This strategic guide suggests a multilayered security approach to protect model weights and counter threats like prompt injection, advancing AI's transition from prototype to production. It matters as AI deployment security becomes crucial for enterprises.
IBM and Partners Address Quantum Computer Verification Challenges with New Methods
IBM and its partners have published three preprint papers detailing new methods to verify results from quantum computers, even as these machines perform calculations that exceed the capabilities of classical computers. This development addresses the challenge of trusting quantum computation results when classical verification is no longer possible, which is crucial for demonstrating quantum advantage.
AMD Releases Ryzen AI Halo, a $4,000 Local AI Development Platform
AMD has launched the Ryzen AI Halo, a $3,999.99 mini-PC for local AI development, powered by the Zen 5 Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor. It includes integrated graphics, ample memory, and comes preloaded with Windows 11 Pro or a custom AMD Linux. While user-friendly, its performance is noted to lag behind Nvidia's similar offerings.
FTC Sues Hims & Hers Over Alleged Patient Data Sharing with Advertisers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against telehealth provider Hims & Hers, alleging the company shared sensitive patient health information with advertising platforms such as Meta, Snap, Microsoft, Pinterest, Reddit, and X. The FTC claims Hims & Hers engaged in deceptive practices by promising privacy while sharing customer data, violating the FTC Act. This action highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of data privacy in the telehealth sector.
Plymouth Township Demands 43 Conditions for 2 Million Sq. Ft. Data Center Project
Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania, has issued 43 conditions for the approval of a 2 million-square-foot data center project proposed by developer Brian O’Neill. The developer is challenging the township's zoning ordinance, claiming the demands are too burdensome, leading to a dispute over local control and data center development.
Cursor Launches India-Specific Subscription Plan Ahead of SpaceX Acquisition
AI coding startup Cursor introduced "Cursor Start," a new subscription plan priced at ’649 (approximately $7) per month, specifically for the Indian market. This localized pricing aims to expand Cursor's user base in India, which is already its third-largest market and home to a high concentration of power users, ahead of its anticipated acquisition by SpaceX.
reMarkable releases Paper Pure tablet focused on distraction-free writing
reMarkable launched the Paper Pure tablet, designed for users seeking a distraction-free writing experience. Priced at $399, it features a revamped design, enhanced handwriting recognition, and calendar integration for streamlined note-taking.
Valve Clarifies Steam Machine Reservation Process and Releases CAD Files
Valve addressed concerns regarding Steam Machine reservation fulfillment, stating that waitlist individuals are not bypassing existing reservations and all current reservation holders are expected to receive an option to purchase by the end of 2026. The company also released CAD files for the Steam Machine's external shell under a Creative Commons license, allowing for custom accessory development.
Coordinated Cyberattack Impacts Over 30 Minnesota Water Systems
A coordinated cyberattack targeted the operational technology of more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota on July 26 and 27. The attack caused outages and communication failures, with Braham's water plant going offline and other cities like Plymouth, South St. Paul, and Maple Plain experiencing affected automated controls or cellular communication issues. The incident prompted a statewide cybersecurity response involving Minnesota IT Services (MNIT).
Ofgem Proposes Upfront Fees for UK Data Center Grid Connections to Address Backlog
Ofgem, Britain's energy regulator, has proposed requiring significant upfront fees from data center projects to secure electricity grid connections. This measure aims to reduce a backlog of 315 data center projects, representing 73GW of demand, which exceeds the country's peak energy demand of 45GW.
CISA and ACSC Release Guidance for Isolating Critical Infrastructure OT Systems During Attacks
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) have issued joint guidance, "CI Fortify – Advice for isolating vital systems," for critical infrastructure organizations. This guidance advises preparing to isolate operational technology (OT) systems from less trusted networks to maintain essential services during cyberattacks or other disruptions, addressing threats from state-sponsored actors.
Cloudflare Internal DNS Launches for Private Networks
Cloudflare has launched its Internal DNS, providing unified management of authoritative and recursive DNS for private networks. This service aims to simplify DNS operations by consolidating public and private DNS management on a single platform, thereby enhancing security and visibility across networks.
Spur Intelligence Secures $200 Million Investment from Insight Partners for Bot Detection
Spur Intelligence, a cybersecurity startup specializing in IP intelligence and bot detection, raised $200 million in a funding round led by Insight Partners. This investment will accelerate and scale Spur's operations, which help organizations distinguish legitimate human users from increasingly sophisticated bot traffic and anonymized web activity. The funding addresses the growing challenge of bot activity, which now surpasses human internet traffic.
Australian PM Announces National AI Framework, Establishes AI Office for Regulatory Oversight
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the formation of a national AI framework and an AI office in Australia, focusing on regulatory oversight and protecting creator rights. The framework aims to streamline approval processes for AI projects and ensure datacentres' energy and resource efficiency. This initiative addresses growing societal and economic concerns around AI's impact and development.
Cyera Acquires Oasis Security for $1 Billion to Secure AI Agents and Non-Human Identities
Data security company Cyera is acquiring agentic access management provider Oasis Security in a $1 billion deal, with approximately $700 million paid in cash and the remainder in shares. This acquisition integrates Oasis's non-human identity and agentic access governance platform into Cyera's offerings, addressing security challenges posed by the increasing use of AI agents in enterprise environments.
Trump EPA Considers Rule Change Reducing Public Input on Data Center Pollution Permits
The Trump administration's EPA is considering a rule change that would transfer authority to states for public participation in permitting processes for certain new air pollution sources, including gas plants and diesel generators used by data centers. This change could reduce public notice and input on polluting facilities, impacting communities where data centers are facing increased pushback. The proposed rollback could accelerate data center development by lessening community oversight on environmental permits.