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Indiana Lawyer Sues Meta CEO Over Name Confusion

2025-09-05

Indiana Lawyer Sues Meta CEO Over Name Confusion

Mark Zuckerberg, a bankruptcy lawyer from Indiana, is suing Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The lawyer's Facebook ad account has been repeatedly disabled by Meta's moderation system for allegedly impersonating the Meta founder, despite being the same name. This has cost the lawyer over $11,000 in wasted ad spend. He's been battling this issue for years, even creating a website documenting the name confusion. The lawsuit highlights the lawyer's frustration and financial losses due to this ongoing issue.

(techcrunch.com)

Misc name confusion

Waymo Expands Autonomous Vehicle Testing to Denver and Seattle

2025-09-03

Waymo Expands Autonomous Vehicle Testing to Denver and Seattle

Waymo announced it's bringing its Jaguar I-Pace SUVs and Zeekr vans to Denver and Seattle this week, initially for manual driving before autonomous testing begins. The company aims to launch robotaxi services in Denver next year and Seattle as soon as permits are granted. This expansion tests Waymo's technology in challenging weather conditions. Waymo currently operates over 2,000 robotaxis nationwide and plans to launch commercial services in Dallas, Miami, and Washington D.C. next year.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech expansion

Commonwealth Fusion Systems Secures $863M to Commercialize Fusion Power

2025-08-31

Commonwealth Fusion Systems Secures $863M to Commercialize Fusion Power

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a fusion energy startup, has raised $863 million in a Series B2 funding round, bringing its total funding to nearly $3 billion—the most for any fusion startup. The round included participation from prominent investors like Nvidia, Google, and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. This investment will fuel the development of Sparc, CFS's prototype reactor, aiming for scientific breakeven by 2027. Following this milestone, construction of Arc, a commercial-scale power plant, is slated to begin in 2027 or 2028. Despite the multi-billion dollar cost of Arc, CFS has already secured a deal with Google to purchase 200 megawatts of its power, demonstrating significant market confidence in the technology.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

WhatsApp Patches Zero-Click Vulnerability Exploited in Sophisticated Spyware Campaign

2025-08-30

WhatsApp Patches Zero-Click Vulnerability Exploited in Sophisticated Spyware Campaign

WhatsApp has patched a critical security vulnerability (CVE-2025-55177) in its iOS and Mac apps that was exploited in a sophisticated spyware campaign targeting nearly 200 users. The vulnerability, used in conjunction with another flaw fixed by Apple (CVE-2025-43300), allowed attackers to steal data via a zero-click exploit, requiring no user interaction. Amnesty International's Security Lab confirmed the attack, which lasted over 90 days. While Meta hasn't identified the attacker, this isn't the first time WhatsApp has faced government-backed spyware attacks, having previously sued and won damages against NSO Group for its Pegasus spyware.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech Zero-Click Exploit

Decentralized Mastodon Defies Mississippi's Age Verification Law

2025-08-30

Decentralized Mastodon Defies Mississippi's Age Verification Law

Decentralized social network Mastodon announced its inability to comply with Mississippi's age verification law, the same law that prompted rival Bluesky to leave the state. Mastodon cites its user-tracking limitations and reluctance to employ IP-based blocks as reasons for non-compliance. Founder Eugen Rochko highlighted the importance of true decentralization, stating that no one can unilaterally decide to block Mississippi from the Fediverse. While Mastodon's own servers specify a minimum signup age, its software doesn't support age verification across all servers. Individual server owners must decide on age verification implementation. Mastodon claims it can't directly assist other server operators, suggesting they consult online resources and comply with local laws.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

TransUnion Data Breach Exposes 4.4M Customers' Personal Info

2025-08-29

TransUnion Data Breach Exposes 4.4M Customers' Personal Info

Credit reporting agency TransUnion disclosed a data breach affecting over 4.4 million customers. Unauthorized access to a third-party application storing customer data for US consumer support operations on July 28th is blamed. While TransUnion claims no credit information was accessed, a later filing in Texas confirmed the breach included names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers. The incident follows recent hacks targeting various sectors, highlighting the vulnerability of large corporations to data breaches. The perpetrators and their motives remain unclear.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

OpenAI Faces First Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over ChatGPT's Role in Teen Suicide

2025-08-27

OpenAI Faces First Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over ChatGPT's Role in Teen Suicide

The parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine, who died by suicide after months of consulting ChatGPT about his plans, have filed the first known wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI. While AI chatbots like ChatGPT include safety features, Raine bypassed them by framing his inquiries as a fictional story. OpenAI acknowledges limitations in its safety training, particularly during extended conversations, and commits to improvements. However, this isn't unique to OpenAI; similar lawsuits target other AI chatbots, highlighting the shortcomings of current AI safety measures.

(techcrunch.com)

AI suicide

Big Tech Funds Anti-AI Regulation Super-PAC

2025-08-26

Big Tech Funds Anti-AI Regulation Super-PAC

Silicon Valley heavyweights, including Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI President Greg Brockman, are pouring over $100 million into a new super-PAC, "Leading the Future," to fight against stringent AI regulations in next year's midterm elections. The group will use campaign donations and digital ads to promote favorable AI policies and oppose candidates perceived as hindering the industry's growth. This initiative follows an earlier attempt to impose a 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulations, highlighting the industry's concern over a fragmented regulatory landscape that could stifle innovation and cede the AI race to China.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech Super-PAC

Bluesky Blocks Mississippi Access Over Age-Verification Law

2025-08-25

Bluesky Blocks Mississippi Access Over Age-Verification Law

Decentralized social network Bluesky has blocked access to its service in Mississippi rather than comply with the state's new age-verification law, HB 1126. The law mandates age verification for all users, requiring substantial technical changes and privacy protections that Bluesky, a small team, cannot afford. Citing the law's broad scope and potential to stifle free speech, Bluesky prioritized its long-term sustainability and user privacy over Mississippi users' access. The company is also working to resolve access issues for some users outside Mississippi due to network routing.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

Trump Administration Strikes $8.9B 'Investment' Deal with Intel, Sparks Controversy

2025-08-24

Trump Administration Strikes $8.9B 'Investment' Deal with Intel, Sparks Controversy

The Trump administration and Intel reached a deal that appears to be an $8.9 billion investment in Intel stock, but is actually previously approved but unpaid grants from the Biden administration—$5.7 billion under the CHIPS Act and $3.2 billion through the Secure Enclave program. Trump claims the US paid nothing and calls it a 'win-win' for both America and Intel. However, the deal faces potential legal challenges, as the CHIPS Act may not allow converting grants to equity. Trump previously criticized the CHIPS Act and accused Intel's CEO of conflicts of interest. Intel's CEO expressed gratitude for the government's confidence.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

Bluesky Blocks Mississippi Users Over Age-Verification Law

2025-08-23

Bluesky Blocks Mississippi Users Over Age-Verification Law

Bluesky, a social networking startup, has opted to block access from Mississippi users rather than comply with a new state law mandating age verification for all users. Citing resource constraints and concerns about the law's broad scope and privacy implications, Bluesky argues the required technical changes are too extensive for its small team. The company highlights the law's potential to stifle innovation and disproportionately harm smaller platforms. This decision affects only the Bluesky app built on the AT Protocol; other apps may choose a different course of action.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

Dating App TeaOnHer Exposed Thousands of User's Private Data Due to Critical Security Flaws

2025-08-18

Dating App TeaOnHer Exposed Thousands of User's Private Data Due to Critical Security Flaws

TeaOnHer, a dating gossip app designed for men to share information about women they claim to have dated, suffered a major security breach exposing thousands of users' personal information, including driver's license photos and other government-issued IDs. TechCrunch reporters discovered easily exploitable flaws, including exposed admin panel credentials and an API allowing unauthenticated access to user data. The app's developer, Xavier Lampkin, failed to respond to multiple requests for comment and didn't commit to notifying affected users or regulators. While the vulnerabilities have since been patched, the incident highlights the critical need for developers to prioritize user data security.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech privacy risks app security vulnerabilities

Critical Flaw in Carmaker's Portal Exposes Customer Data, Enables Remote Vehicle Access

2025-08-17

Critical Flaw in Carmaker's Portal Exposes Customer Data, Enables Remote Vehicle Access

Security researcher Eaton Zveare discovered a critical vulnerability in a major automaker's online dealership portal. The flaw allowed the creation of an admin account, granting access to sensitive data from over 1,000 dealerships. This included customer personal and financial information, vehicle tracking data, and the ability to remotely control vehicle functions. Exploiting a weakness in the login system, Zveare bypassed authentication and created a 'national admin' account. While patched in February 2025, the vulnerability highlights significant security risks in car dealership systems.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

Apple Resurrects Blood Oxygen on Apple Watch, Bypassing Import Ban

2025-08-15

Apple Resurrects Blood Oxygen on Apple Watch, Bypassing Import Ban

Apple announced Thursday a redesigned blood oxygen feature for select Watch Series 8, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra models, circumventing an International Trade Commission (ITC) import ban. Blood oxygen data is now processed on the paired iPhone, viewable only within the Health app's Respiratory section. This follows a recent U.S. Customs ruling allowing Apple to import watches with the revised feature. The change doesn't affect previously sold models or those purchased outside the U.S., applying only to watches sold after the ITC ban in early 2024. Users can access the redesigned feature via an iPhone and Apple Watch software update released Thursday. This follows Apple's ongoing legal battle with Masimo, which accused Apple of stealing its pulse oximetry technology. Masimo won a 2023 ITC ruling blocking Apple Watch imports with blood oxygen monitoring, prompting Apple's removal of the feature. Apple countersued, claiming Masimo copied Apple Watch features, and appealed the ban.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech Patent Dispute

xAI Co-founder Departs to Launch VC Firm Focused on AI Safety

2025-08-14

xAI Co-founder Departs to Launch VC Firm Focused on AI Safety

Igor Babuschkin, co-founder of Elon Musk's xAI, announced his departure to launch Babuschkin Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on AI safety research and startups advancing humanity. Despite xAI's rapid success under Babuschkin's leadership, the company faced controversies surrounding its chatbot, Grok, including antisemitic remarks and the generation of nude-like images of public figures. Babuschkin expressed pride in his time at xAI, citing valuable lessons learned from Musk, before embarking on his new venture.

(techcrunch.com)

AI

Google Rolls Out Preferred News Sources Globally

2025-08-13

Google Rolls Out Preferred News Sources Globally

Google has launched its "Preferred Sources" feature in the U.S. and India, allowing users to select their preferred news sites and blogs for Google's Top Stories. This lets users see more content from sources they like. Users can add sources via a star icon next to Top Stories, searching for their preferred sites. Google notes that for some searches, a separate 'From your sources' section will appear. While convenient, this raises concerns about filter bubbles and echo chambers. Initially a Search Labs experiment, over half of testers selected four or more sources. Now, it's available to all English-language users in the U.S. and India.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech News Sources Filter Bubbles

Dating App TeaOnHer Leaks User Data, Including IDs and Selfies

2025-08-11

Dating App TeaOnHer Leaks User Data, Including IDs and Selfies

TeaOnHer, a dating app for men to share information about women they've dated, has suffered a major security breach, exposing user data including government IDs and selfies. Mirroring the controversial app Tea, TeaOnHer has critical vulnerabilities allowing anyone to access usernames, emails, driver's licenses, and selfies. TechCrunch uncovered the exposure of at least 53,000 users' private information, even impacting the app's creator, Xavier Lampkin, whose credentials and admin access were exposed. The app also contains disturbing content, including explicit images and defamatory comments. This highlights significant security risks and the importance of user caution when using such apps.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

Google's AI Bug Hunter, Big Sleep, Unearths 20 Vulnerabilities

2025-08-10

Google's AI Bug Hunter, Big Sleep, Unearths 20 Vulnerabilities

Google's AI-powered vulnerability researcher, Big Sleep, a collaboration between DeepMind and Project Zero, has reported its first batch of vulnerabilities – 20 flaws in popular open-source software like FFmpeg and ImageMagick. While details remain undisclosed pending fixes, the achievement showcases the potential of AI in automated vulnerability discovery. Although human experts reviewed the findings, Big Sleep independently identified and reproduced the vulnerabilities. This breakthrough, however, highlights concerns about AI-generated false positives, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of AI-driven bug reports.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech vulnerability discovery

Citizen Lab Director Warns of Tech-Fascism Fusion, Calls on Cybersecurity Community to Act

2025-08-07

Citizen Lab Director Warns of Tech-Fascism Fusion, Calls on Cybersecurity Community to Act

Ron Deibert, director of Citizen Lab, issued a stark warning at Black Hat, highlighting a growing fusion of technology and fascism, with Big Tech playing a significant role. He urged the cybersecurity community to address this challenge, preventing complicity in human rights abuses. Deibert linked recent political events in the US to a worrying slide towards authoritarianism, arguing the cybersecurity community has a responsibility to help counter this trend. He expressed concern that major tech companies might cut threat intelligence teams, weakening defenses against government spyware and severely impacting global civil society.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech government spyware

Rivian Sues Ohio Over Direct-to-Consumer EV Sales Ban

2025-08-05

Rivian Sues Ohio Over Direct-to-Consumer EV Sales Ban

EV maker Rivian is suing Ohio, challenging the state's ban on direct-to-consumer vehicle sales. Rivian argues the law stifles competition, harms consumers, and points to Tesla's exemption. This is the latest chapter in the ongoing battle between emerging automakers and powerful dealership lobbies. Rivian seeks a license to sell EVs directly in Ohio.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech Direct Sales

GitHub Copilot Surpasses 20 Million Users, Igniting AI Coding Tool Wars

2025-08-03

GitHub Copilot Surpasses 20 Million Users, Igniting AI Coding Tool Wars

GitHub Copilot, Microsoft's AI coding tool, has surpassed 20 million users, with 5 million joining in the last three months alone. Boasting adoption by 90% of Fortune 100 companies and 75% quarter-over-quarter enterprise growth, Copilot is a major player. While its user base pales in comparison to general-purpose AI chatbots, Copilot's focus on enterprise clients and expanding capabilities like AI-powered code review and workflow automation give it a strong position. However, the market is heating up. Competitors like Cursor, with its impressive growth and funding, are challenging Copilot's dominance, and tech giants like Google and OpenAI are entering the fray, setting the stage for an intense battle in the AI coding tool arena.

(techcrunch.com)

Development enterprise market

Figma's IPO: A Win for Antitrust or Just Great Product?

2025-08-03

Figma's IPO: A Win for Antitrust or Just Great Product?

Figma's successful IPO is being celebrated by Lina Khan, former FTC chair, as a validation of her antitrust stance. Khan's previous blocking of Adobe's $20 billion acquisition of Figma sparked controversy in the tech industry. She argues that preventing Big Tech from acquiring startups fosters innovation and competition, ultimately benefiting employees, investors, and the public. However, critics counter that Figma's success is due to its inherent strengths, not regulatory scrutiny. The debate highlights the complex interplay between tech mergers and antitrust regulation.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

Palo Alto Networks Acquires CyberArk for $25 Billion, Expanding into Identity Security

2025-08-02

Palo Alto Networks Acquires CyberArk for $25 Billion, Expanding into Identity Security

Cybersecurity giant Palo Alto Networks announced a $25 billion acquisition of identity management and security company CyberArk, marking its entry into the identity security market. The deal, a combination of cash and stock, is Palo Alto's largest acquisition to date and follows a string of purchases since Nikesh Arora became CEO in 2018. This acquisition, exceeding $7 billion in total acquisitions under Arora's leadership, solidifies Palo Alto's position as a major player in the cybersecurity landscape.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech identity security

Amazon Bets on Alexa+ Ads: A New Frontier in AI Conversation?

2025-08-02

Amazon Bets on Alexa+ Ads: A New Frontier in AI Conversation?

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy revealed plans to incorporate ads into conversations with Alexa+, its AI-powered digital assistant, during the company's second-quarter earnings call. This move aims to boost product discovery and revenue. Alexa+ is Amazon's response to generative AI assistants from OpenAI, Google, and others, but its business model remains unclear. While Alexa+ has reached millions of users, its rollout has been slower than anticipated. Amazon's substantial AI R&D investment (90% capital expenditure increase in Q2), coupled with 22% ad revenue growth, necessitates exploring new revenue streams. However, challenges remain, including AI hallucinations and user privacy concerns.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

Musk's Boring Company to Build 10-Mile Loop in Nashville

2025-07-31

Musk's Boring Company to Build 10-Mile Loop in Nashville

Elon Musk's The Boring Company plans to build a 10-mile underground loop connecting Nashville's downtown, convention center, and airport. Privately funded by the company and unnamed partners, the project aims for completion as early as fall 2026. While the Las Vegas project saw success, past ventures faced setbacks and safety concerns. The Nashville project's success remains uncertain, particularly regarding safety and construction speed.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech tunnel Nashville

Anthropic Implements Weekly Rate Limits for Claude AI Coding Tool

2025-07-29

Anthropic Implements Weekly Rate Limits for Claude AI Coding Tool

Anthropic, an AI company, announced new weekly usage limits for its Claude Pro and Max subscribers, effective August 28th. This move addresses issues with users running its Claude Code AI coding tool continuously and violating usage policies through account sharing and resale. While affecting less than 5% of users, the limits highlight the constraints AI model providers face regarding computational resources and the search for sustainable service models. Other AI coding tool providers have also made similar pricing adjustments.

(techcrunch.com)

Development rate limits

Dorsey's $10M Bet on Decentralized Social Media

2025-07-20

Dorsey's $10M Bet on Decentralized Social Media

Jack Dorsey, Twitter co-founder and Block CEO, has invested $10 million in "andOtherStuff," a collective aiming to revolutionize social media through open-source projects. The team, including Dorsey and former Twitter employees, focuses on decentralized protocols like Nostr, developing apps such as Shakespeare (a Nostr app building platform) and heynow (a voice note app). Dorsey criticizes traditional social media's reliance on advertisers, advocating for a more open, decentralized model. He and former Twitter employee Evan Henshaw-Plath launched the podcast "revolution.social" to discuss the future of social media, highlighting the potential of Nostr and the pitfalls of centralized platforms.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech Decentralized Social Media

DuckDuckGo Adds AI Image Filter to Search

2025-07-19

DuckDuckGo Adds AI Image Filter to Search

Privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo has rolled out a new setting allowing users to filter out AI-generated images from search results. This follows user feedback indicating AI images often obstruct finding relevant real-world images. Users can find a new 'AI images' dropdown in the image search tab, choosing to 'show' or 'hide' AI content. DuckDuckGo states the filter relies on manually curated open-source blocklists, offering significant reduction in AI image results, though not perfect. Future additions to the filter are planned.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech AI images search filter

Anthropic's Claude Code Hit by Unexpected Usage Limits

2025-07-18

Anthropic's Claude Code Hit by Unexpected Usage Limits

Users of Anthropic's Claude Code have been encountering unexpectedly strict usage limits since Monday, particularly impacting heavy users on the $200/month Max plan. Users receive only a vague "usage limit reached" message without explanation or prior notice, leading to suspicions of downgraded subscriptions or inaccurate usage tracking. Anthropic acknowledged the issue but offered no details. The incident highlights flaws in Anthropic's tiered pricing, which lacks clear usage guarantees, making planning difficult for users. The high value proposition of the Max plan, allowing some users to generate over $1000 in API calls daily, is also a central point of concern, raising questions about its long-term sustainability. The lack of transparency is eroding user confidence.

(techcrunch.com)

Development

China's New Phone-Hacking Malware: Massistant

2025-07-17

China's New Phone-Hacking Malware: Massistant

Security researchers have uncovered a new malware, Massistant, used by Chinese authorities to extract data from seized phones. Developed by Xiamen Meiya Pico, this Android software allows access to text messages (including from apps like Signal), images, location data, audio recordings, contacts, and more. While physical access is required, its widespread use poses significant risks to Chinese residents and visitors. Although Massistant leaves traces, allowing potential removal via tools like the Android Debug Bridge, the data is already compromised by the time of installation. Xiamen Meiya Pico, holding a reported 40% share of China's digital forensics market, was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2021. The company did not respond to requests for comment.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech china

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