From Ars Technica · 40 stories
FBI and CISA Warn of Russian Phishing Attacks on Signal and WhatsApp Accounts
The FBI and CISA have issued an updated warning about Russian intelligence phishing campaigns targeting Signal and WhatsApp accounts. Attackers are using Signal Backup Recovery Keys to hijack accounts, and the U.S. is offering a $10 million reward for information on the group responsible. The campaign has compromised thousands of accounts of high-profile targets, including government officials and journalists.
New PamStealer malware targets macOS with stealthy credential theft tactics
Researchers discovered PamStealer, a novel macOS malware that stealthily collects user credentials. It employs unique delivery methods and a custom second stage, utilizing Apple's own mechanisms to evade detection and validation of passwords.
Tesla Q2 2026 Sales Surge 25% Amid Market Rebound
Tesla delivered 480,126 vehicles in Q2 2026, marking a 25% year-over-year increase. The growth was driven predominantly by Model 3 and Model Y sales. This marks Tesla's first year-over-year growth in deliveries in two years, reversing the previous trend of declining sales.
EU Court Upholds €4.1 Billion Fine on Google for Android Antitrust Violations
Europe's top court, the European Court of Justice, upheld a €4.1 billion fine against Google for anti-competitive practices using its Android operating system. This decision concludes Google's long legal battle and reinforces the EU's regulatory scrutiny over tech giants. The ruling demonstrates the EU's determination to address market dominance misuse, affecting tech regulations moving forward.
Google’s electricity use rose 37% in 2025 amid AI infrastructure expansion
Google's electricity consumption surged by 37% in 2025, driven by AI data center growth. Despite this increase, the company achieved a 2% reduction in operational emissions, emphasizing its reliance on clean energy investments.
US Lifts Export Controls on Anthropic's AI Models Fable 5 and Mythos 5
The US government has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's AI models, Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5, after negotiations ensured certain safety protocols. The initial bans were due to security concerns linked to potential model misuse. This change restores access to Fable 5 globally and Mythos 5 to select US organizations, addressing previous concerns. The case showcases the evolving regulatory landscape for AI models.
Sony to Halt Production of Physical PlayStation Discs by 2028
Sony announced plans to stop producing physical game discs for PlayStation from January 2028, shifting to a digital-only model. 85% of PS4 and PS5 sales are currently digital, driving this decision. Concerns arise over game preservation and consumer rights as digital formats eliminate physical ownership and resale opportunities.
Google Launches Faster AI Models for Image and Video: Nano Banana 2 Lite and Gemini Omni Flash
Google announced the launch of Nano Banana 2 Lite and Gemini Omni Flash, models designed to enhance multimedia processing efficiency. Nano Banana 2 Lite focuses on low-cost, fast image generation, while Omni Flash offers advanced video generation and editing. Available across Google platforms, these models aim to streamline creative workflows for developers and businesses using AI-generated content.
South Korea invests $1T in memory chips and humanoid robots by 2028
South Korea plans to invest $1 trillion in memory chip production and humanoid robot deployment by 2028. This initiative aims to address global memory chip shortages and advance AI infrastructure amid rising demand.
Supreme Court Rules Government Requires Warrant for Geofence Warrants
The Supreme Court ruled that government access to a user’s location history requires a warrant. This ruling underscores the Fourth Amendment's protections for digital privacy, limiting law enforcement's ability to utilize geofence warrants without substantial proof of necessity.
Anthropic accuses Alibaba of major cloning attack on Claude model
Anthropic has accused Alibaba of conducting the largest attack to clone its AI model, Claude, by illicitly generating over 28.8 million exchanges. This incident highlights increasing concerns about Chinese firms attempting to evade US AI development costs and the potential impact on US national security.
Blue Origin Investigates New Glenn Rocket Explosion, Aims for 2023 Return
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded on the launch pad in May, halting operations and investigations are ongoing. The company is analyzing data to determine the cause, with aims to resume launches this year, crucial for NASA's Artemis Program. The incident may delay important lunar missions.
University of Minnesota Creates Synthetic Cells That Grow and Divide
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed synthetic cells, termed 'SpudCells', capable of growth and division. This experimental system replicates some basic cellular functions but requires significant human intervention. The achievement offers insights into synthetic biology and the origins of life.
Apple Takes Epic Games App Store Fee Fight to Supreme Court
Apple is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court regarding a contempt finding over its App Store commission rates in its dispute with Epic Games. The tech company argues against a judicial order impacting its fees for non-Apple payment methods. Awaiting this ruling, Apple and Epic Games have jointly requested a temporary pause in the legal proceedings.
Google Introduces Google Finance App with AI Features in Android
Google Finance has launched a new app for Android, marking its entry into mobile finance. The app includes AI-powered features for monitoring market data and providing investment insights. An iOS version is expected by 2026. This release expands Google's finance tools, enhancing investment tracking and research capabilities.
FAA proposes new rule for supersonic flights over US cities with noise limits
The FAA has proposed a new rule allowing commercial supersonic flights over US cities if sonic boom impacts are minimized. This change, driven by a push for supersonic air travel, would replace a 1973 ban with a new noise-based certification standard.
Plex introduces five-year membership for $250 as lifetime pass price increases to $750
Plex launched a five-year Plex Pass for $250, while the price for Lifetime Passes increased to $750. This move reflects Plex's shift toward subscription-based revenue to support long-term development and reduce reliance on advertising.
Uganda confirms Marburg case amid ongoing Ebola outbreak
Ugandan health authorities confirmed a case of Marburg virus disease in a deceased child during the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The case introduces additional challenges for managing both diseases, which share transmission characteristics.
Advocates warn FTC of privacy risks from Musk's X amid audit termination request
Privacy advocates are urging the FTC to maintain audits of X, citing ongoing risks to user data. X has requested the termination of these audits, claiming changes under Musk have mitigated earlier privacy concerns.
Woman experiences severe metal poisoning after hip replacement failure
A 56-year-old woman developed severe neurological symptoms due to metal poisoning after her hip replacement began failing. The case highlights the potential risks associated with long-term use of artificial joints, particularly when revisions are required.
T-Mobile sues Broadcom over VMware license support dispute
T-Mobile is suing Broadcom for not honoring support for its VMware perpetual licenses following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware and the shift to subscription models. The lawsuit highlights T-Mobile's migration of tens of thousands of virtual machines and over 1,000 applications from VMware, raising significant concerns regarding software licensing and support obligations in the industry.
US home battery installations reach record 673 MW amid rising electricity costs
In early 2026, US home battery installations surged to a record 673 megawatts, driven by state incentives and rising electricity costs. This trend indicates a shift towards energy independence for homeowners while potentially providing more flexibility for the power grid.
Volvo Stops US Imports of Compact EX30 Electric Crossover
Volvo has ceased importing the EX30 electric crossover to the US after tariff complications. The decision follows increased manufacturing costs due to shifted production from China to Belgium, affecting its pricing and availability.
Boeing's Starliner certification delayed until at least 2028, audit shows
NASA's inspector general audit reveals that Boeing's Starliner crew capsule may not be certified until 2028, a decade behind schedule. This delay impacts NASA’s plans for ongoing crew rotations to the ISS, which could be exacerbated by anticipated technical issues.
UK government may halt Paramount's $111B Warner Bros. Discovery takeover
The UK government is considering intervening in Paramount's $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery due to concerns about media plurality. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated public interest grounds influence her decision, focusing on news diversity and media ownership in the UK.
Reddit mandates login for accessing old.reddit.com to curb automated traffic
Reddit will require users to log in to access old.reddit.com starting over the next month. This change aims to reduce abusive scraping and automated traffic impacting the platform's functionality.
Amazon halts new Fire Stick models supporting sideloading due to malware concerns
Amazon has stopped releasing new Fire Stick models that allow sideloading of apps, citing malware risks. This shift to its Vega OS, which does not support sideloading, comes amid ongoing concerns about streaming piracy and aims to give Amazon greater control over device functionality and user experience.
NASA considers sending Perseverance rover model to the Moon
NASA is evaluating the possibility of sending the engineering model of its Perseverance rover, named 'Promise,' to the Moon to assist in exploring the lunar south pole. The rover would utilize a nuclear-powered generator, allowing it to operate during the lunar night and access challenging terrains.
Google discontinues Tenor GIF API affecting X, Discord, and others
Google has officially shut down the Tenor API, a service that allowed platforms like X and Discord to integrate animated GIFs. This move aims to streamline Google's resources and signals a shift away from free services that lack profitability.
Research reveals vulnerabilities in AI browsers allowing potential exploitation
New research shows that AI browsers can be manipulated into a false context, enabling malicious actions. This exposure underscores the risks of AI integration without addressing core vulnerabilities.
RFK Jr. expands FDA advisory panel with pro-peptide members amidst FDA opposition
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has increased the number of supporters on an FDA advisory panel to advocate for the approval of injectable peptide drugs, which the FDA has deemed ineffective and potentially unsafe. The upcoming panel meetings will evaluate multiple peptide drugs for various uses, raising concerns about regulatory integrity and safety assessment.
Florida law bans local net-zero emissions goals, effective July 1
Florida's HB 1217 bars local governments from adopting net-zero emissions goals, citing economic security. This law affects at least 10 localities, including Miami and Orlando, by requiring annual compliance verification.
Solar Power Surpasses Coal Generation in April 2026
In April 2026, solar electricity production officially surpassed coal-fired generation in the US for the first time. This milestone occurred as coal usage continued to decline, while solar power's growth was attributed to its cost-effectiveness as a new generation source.
Ozone depletion predates widespread CFC use, study suggests
A study indicates that carbon tetrachloride, used before CFCs, may have contributed to ozone depletion earlier than believed. This raises questions about potential earlier awareness and action against ozone-layer damage.
South Korea to Train All Military Personnel in Drone Operations
South Korea plans to train its entire military of nearly 500,000 personnel to operate drones. This initiative aims to give troops universal access to drone technology, improving capabilities against North Korea's larger military.
California bans loud ads on streaming services starting July 1
California will prohibit streaming services from playing ads louder than the accompanying content effective July 1. This law aligns streaming regulations with existing broadcast advertising standards under the CALM Act.
Apple blocks major Russian apps; citizens advised to switch to Android
Apple has removed VKontakte and Max from its App Store in Russia following government demands. This has limited access to key communication tools amid Russia's efforts to tighten Internet control.
NYT amends copyright complaint against Microsoft for OpenAI partnership
The New York Times has amended its copyright complaint to allege that Microsoft encouraged OpenAI to infringe its copyrights by creating a powerful supercomputer. This change follows a Supreme Court ruling that redefined standards for contributory infringement, prompting NYT to strengthen its case against Microsoft.
Discovery of antibiotic megacluster may combat superbug resistance
A study has identified a "megacluster" of genes producing four molecules that disrupt a critical metabolic pathway in bacteria. This discovery offers a new strategic approach to tackle antibiotic resistance, which has reached critical levels due to overuse of existing drugs.
Volkswagen may close four factories, cut workforce by 15% in restructuring plan
Volkswagen Group is evaluating the closure of up to four factories in Germany and plans to reduce its workforce by 15%. This follows a substantial 44% drop in profits in 2025 and aims to adapt to ongoing sales declines in key markets such as North America and China.