From TechCrunch · 40 stories
Netflix Pays $500 Million for Co-Exclusive Global Streaming Rights to 'The Walking Dead' Franchise
Netflix has secured co-exclusive global streaming rights for "The Walking Dead" and its six spinoffs in a $500 million deal with AMC Global Media. Starting in 2027, the franchise, comprising 371 episodes, will stream on both Netflix and AMC+, with Netflix gaining international rights in territories like the UK, Italy, and Australia, while AMC+ will stream the main show for the first time.
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.
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.
Ferrari Luce EV Reaches 2026 Sales Target Within Two Months of Launch
Ferrari's first electric vehicle, the Luce, designed by Jony Ive, has reportedly met its 2026 sales goal of "just under 500" units within two months of its launch. The €550,000 EV saw strong demand from China and tech hubs like Silicon Valley, indicating early market acceptance despite initial criticism.
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.
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.
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.
Stripe and Advent International Reportedly Bid $53.4B for PayPal
Stripe and Advent International have reportedly submitted a $53.4 billion joint bid to acquire PayPal. This major acquisition, if completed, would consolidate two significant players in the digital payments market, impacting its competitive landscape.
Baidu and Lyft Begin Robotaxi Testing in London with Apollo Go RT6 Vehicles
Baidu, in partnership with Lyft and its subsidiary Freenow, has started testing its Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in London. These tests involve human safety operators and are part of a broader strategy to deploy autonomous vehicles across European markets, with public availability targeted for 2027.
Meta Exits RE100 Clean Energy Initiative Amidst Increased Natural Gas Power Plant Investments
Meta has withdrawn from the RE100 corporate renewable energy initiative after a decade of membership, a move confirmed by the company. This departure coincides with Meta's accelerated investment in natural gas power plants to support its AI data centers, raising questions about its commitment to 100% clean energy. The exit follows RE100's updated guidance requiring more rigorous reporting on renewable energy progress.
Indian Government Orders GitHub to Remove Bluetooth-Based Chat App Bitchat
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has ordered GitHub to remove the Bluetooth-based messaging application Bitchat, citing concerns that it enables communication during network restrictions and poses a risk of misuse by various illicit groups. This action highlights government efforts to control communication channels, particularly those that bypass traditional surveillance methods, impacting developers of privacy-focused communication tools.
NHTSA to Develop New Safety Rules for Vehicle Exit Mechanisms Following Tesla Incidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will begin developing new requirements for automakers regarding safe vehicle exits. This action follows incidents where individuals became trapped in cars with flush, electronically operated door handles, such as those on Tesla vehicles, and could lead to new federal motor vehicle standards affecting all manufacturers.
AegisAI raises $36M Series A to combat AI-driven spear phishing with AI agents
AegisAI, a startup founded by former Google security executives, secured $36 million in Series A funding to develop AI agents that detect and prevent AI-crafted spear phishing attacks. The company's technology analyzes email messages for anomalies that traditional rule-based systems often miss, addressing the increasing sophistication of AI-powered cyber threats.
AI-Driven Security Startup Glow Emerges With $180M Funding at $1.2B Valuation
Glow, a cybersecurity startup leveraging AI to bolster endpoint security, has emerged from stealth with a $1.2 billion valuation and $180 million in Series A funding. Founded by former Meta and Snowflake executives, the startup seeks to address AI-related cyber risks by providing tools that manage software on employee devices. This reflects the growing concern over AI-augmented cyber threats and the need for enhanced security strategies.
DoorDash Introduces Command-Line Interface to Streamline Ordering
DoorDash launched a limited beta of dd-cli, a command-line interface for macOS developers in the US and Canada to enable AI-mediated food ordering, enhancing integration with autonomous AI agents.
Trump Accused of Conflict of Interest Over $2.2 Billion Earnings While in Office
Donald Trump has made over $2.2 billion since returning to the White House, including more than $1 billion from cryptocurrency ventures. This has sparked criticism and calls for legislative action to prevent government officials from profiting from such industries. Nearly a million investors have reportedly lost $3.8 billion on one of Trump’s crypto ventures.
Honda Discontinues Prologue, Ending U.S. EV Presence
Honda will cease sales of its Prologue EV in the U.S. by the end of the 2026 model year. This move aligns with broader trends of reduced EV offerings in the U.S., influenced by the loss of federal tax credits among other factors.
TikTok Ban Lifted for US Government Devices After Joint Venture Formation
The US Department of Justice has lifted the ban on TikTok for federal employees' devices, following the creation of a new venture for TikTok's US operations. The app's download is now allowed, subject to agency discretion, as it is considered secure under Oracle's management and reduced ByteDance involvement.
Mozilla Finds Sensitive Data Sharing by Stardust Period Tracker
Mozilla research reveals Stardust period tracker shares sensitive health data with RudderStack, raising privacy concerns. The data includes birthdates, birth control types, and reproductive goals, potentially affecting privacy, especially in legal contexts in the U.S. after abortion protections were overturned.
Israeli Startup Oak Launches AI-Driven Identity Management Solution with $60M Funding
Startup Oak has raised $60 million in funding, launching an AI-powered identity management system. This aims to unify identity governance across enterprises, addressing challenges exacerbated by AI. Oak's system combines various identity management tools into a single control plane, already deployed by some enterprise clients.
Neko Health Raises $700 Million, Plans US Expansion with First Clinic in New York
Neko Health, co-founded by Spotify's Daniel Ek, has raised $700 million in a Series C funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and O.G. Venture Partners. The funds will support the company's US expansion plans, starting with its first clinic in New York, offering AI-enabled body scans and blood tests. This development signifies a significant step in the company's mission to enhance preventive healthcare through technology.
Lucid Motors Denies Bankruptcy Rumors Amid Stock Volatility
Lucid Motors has denied reports that it is considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy, stating it has ample liquidity for operations. The company's stock price had dropped over 50% earlier in the week amid the rumors, which also affected EV companies Rivian and Polestar.
Telegram's t.me Domain Restored After Day-Long Suspension by GoDaddy
Telegram's t.me domain was suspended but has been restored following a day-long outage due to compliance with U.S. sanctions. The domain, used for Telegram's shortlinks, was affected by a hold imposed by the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Google, Amazon, and Microsoft Report Significant Rise in Carbon Emissions Amid AI Demand
Google, Amazon, and Microsoft report rises in carbon emissions spurred by AI technologies and data center demand. Emissions increased 25%, 16%, and nearly 20% respectively, challenging their net-zero carbon goals. This reflects broad tech industry challenges as AI adoption expands, impacting sustainability pledges.
Phia Faces Suspension for Alleged Cookie Stuffing in Affiliate Marketing
Phia, co-founded by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, is accused of cookie stuffing, improperly claiming affiliate sales it did not generate. Investigations revealed the misuse, leading to Phia's suspension from Impact.com. The issue highlights challenges in maintaining transparency in affiliate marketing practices.
Netflix Considers Launching Always-On Channels Amid Engagement Challenges
Netflix is exploring the introduction of always-on channels to address declining user engagement and enhance ad revenue. This initiative would directly compete with free streaming platforms like Pluto TV and Tubi by offering non-stop streaming content. The move also aligns with strategies to incorporate streaming bundles as demonstrated by competitors like Apple TV and Prime Video.
OpenAI Faces Allegations of Evidence Withholding in Ongoing Copyright Suit
OpenAI is facing serious allegations from news organizations, including The New York Times, of concealing evidence in a copyright infringement lawsuit. Key claims involve OpenAI's misleading statements about its ability to search its ChatGPT logs and datasets for potential copyright infringements. This case could impact legal interpretations of AI's use of copyrighted content as fair use or infringement.
Block Inc. Settles for $45M Over Cash App Security Allegations with 46 States
Block, Inc., the parent company of Cash App, agreed to pay $45 million to settle claims from 46 U.S. states over allegations of misleading users about security protections. State attorneys general accused Block of inadequate fraud protection measures which left users exposed. This settlement addresses prior consumer protection failures and requires around-the-clock customer support.
Character.AI Launches Interactive AI-Generated Microdramas
Character.AI has introduced c.ai Series, featuring AI-generated microdramas that allow user interaction with characters post-viewing. This venture into the $26 billion microdrama market combines artificial intelligence with popular genres to offer a unique storytelling experience.
FTC Approves Elon Musk's Acquisition of Mesh Optical Technologies
The Federal Trade Commission has approved Elon Musk's pending acquisition of Mesh Optical Technologies. Founded by former SpaceX engineers, Mesh develops optical transceivers for data centers. This acquisition could enhance data transmission capabilities in SpaceX's data centers, vital for AI infrastructure.
NHTSA Directs Autonomous Vehicle Makers to Address Interference with Emergency Responders
The NHTSA has directed autonomous vehicle (AV) makers to resolve issues of their vehicles interfering with emergency responders. This directive follows reports of AVs obstructing law enforcement and emergency services, highlighting deficiencies in their safety protocols. AV developers have until the end of the month to present their solutions.
AssuranceAmerica Data Breach Exposes 6.9 Million Driver Records
AssuranceAmerica has suffered a data breach affecting 6.9 million individuals' driver’s license information, names, and contact details. Discovered on March 17, the breach is the largest known exposure of U.S. driver's license data this year, significantly impacting personal data security and prompting potential fraud concerns.
X to Direct Message Users about Community Note Corrections on Engaged Posts
X announced a feature that will send direct messages to users when posts they engaged with receive Community Notes corrections. This aims to improve the effectiveness of addressing misinformation by ensuring users are notified of corrections. Elon Musk disclosed this planned update, though its release date remains unspecified.
SambaNova Systems Raises $1 Billion at $11 Billion Valuation
SambaNova Systems, an AI chip company, raised $1 billion in a Series F round, boosting its valuation to $11 billion. Led by General Atlantic, with further participation expected, the funding aims to accelerate SambaNova's growth in AI inference chips, a market challenging Nvidia. SambaNova is considering a future IPO as it scales rapidly.
Netflix Partners with Publishers for Short-Form Content to Address Viewer Retention
Netflix, starting August 3, integrates short-form video content from publishers like BuzzFeed and Condé Nast to address declining binge-watching retention. The content, varying from 2 to over 20 minutes, includes both licensed and new series, targeting audiences in several major regions.
Canadian Spy Agency Conducted Cyber Operations Against Criminal Groups
In 2022, Canada's Communications Security Establishment executed cyber operations against drug traffickers, violent extremists, and a ransomware gang. These state-authorized interventions aimed to thwart groups threatening Canada's national security and public safety. The operations utilized signals intelligence to disrupt criminal activities abroad, significantly impacting the targeted groups.
Even Realities Secures $150M Funding, Hits $1B Valuation for Display-First Smart Glasses
Even Realities, a smart glasses startup founded by former Apple engineers, has raised $150 million led by Meituan and Tencent, reaching a $1 billion valuation. The company focuses on developing display-first smart glasses prioritizing privacy, competing with Meta and Snap's AI and camera-equipped offerings. The funds will support further platform development and global expansion.
Humanoid Robotics Sees Major Investments and Market Moves; Ant Group's $73.58 Million Investment in Zeroth Leads Sector Push
Ant Group has invested $73.58 million in Zeroth, its 12th investment in humanoid robotics since 2025, as it diversifies post-IPO halt. Meanwhile, Agility Robotics plans to go public through a merger with Churchill Capital Corp XI, valuing it at $2.5 billion, marking a significant event in the humanoid robotics market.
Midjourney Challenges Hollywood Studios to Disclose AI Usage in Copyright Lawsuit
Midjourney has requested that Warner Bros., Disney, and Universal provide information on their AI usage as part of ongoing copyright infringement lawsuits. This follows a judge's ruling which allows the studios to withhold certain documentation. The move aims to demonstrate that the studios also rely on copyrighted data for their AI models, potentially undermining their claims against Midjourney.
Rivian Boosts 2023 Delivery Forecast Amid Strong Q2 Performance
Rivian has increased its vehicle delivery forecast for 2023 to 65,000-70,000 units, up from an earlier range of 62,000-67,000, following a strong second quarter featuring robust growth in deliveries. This update comes amid wider industry challenges and reflects confidence in demand, particularly for the new R2 SUV.