A hacker exploited Anthropic's Claude chatbot to steal 150GB of sensitive data from various Mexican government agencies between December 2025 and January 2026. By masquerading as a participant in a "bug bounty" program, the attacker tricked Claude into generating thousands of hacking plans, detailing exact targets and credentials. Curtis Simpson, chief strategy officer at Gambit Security, noted this incident highlights how easily AI can be weaponized, exacerbating vulnerabilities in government systems.
Perplexity introduces Perplexity Computer, an AI system designed to serve as a general-purpose digital worker capable of autonomously managing projects from research to deployment. CEO Aravind Srinivas stated it "unifies every current capability of AI into a single system." The platform employs 19 specialized models to handle various tasks simultaneously. Available to Perplexity's Max tier subscribers, it redefines the personal computer concept for 2026 by transforming AI into an orchestrating agent.
Australian logistics software company WiseTech Global announces a sweeping workforce reduction, cutting approximately 30% of its 3,000 employees as part of a significant AI-driven restructuring plan. CEO Richard White states, "This transformation is pivotal for our growth and innovation," emphasizing the company's shift towards automation and efficiency. The decision comes amid increasing operational costs, signaling WiseTech's strategic pivot to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office has imposed a $19.52 million fine on Reddit for unlawfully processing children's data, exposing them to harmful content. The regulator found that Reddit failed to verify user ages, resulting in the collection of personal information from countless under-13 users. "That left them potentially exposed to content they should not have seen," stated UK Information Commissioner John Edwards. Reddit plans to appeal, arguing that the ICO's demands conflict with its privacy commitments.
Gaitana, a blue-hued AI bot, is poised to compete for a seat in the Colombian indigenous parliament in the upcoming election next month. This innovative political candidacy highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in governance and representation. While Gaitana is not a traditional candidate, its campaign aims to address indigenous issues and bring a fresh perspective to political discourse. The election's outcome could signal new avenues for technology in politics.
Elon Musk recently teased an official Grok CLI for developers, aiming to rival Anthropic's Claude in the coding tools market. This announcement follows Musk's accusations that Anthropic engaged in massive-scale data theft, prompting a heated AI rivalry. Responding to a user’s plea for a Grok CLI, Musk stated, "Coming soon," without revealing details such as pricing or features. As competition intensifies, the implications for AI coding efficiency remain significant.
Microsoft has exceeded its goal of connecting 250 million people by 2025, now reaching over 299 million. This initiative aligns with its ongoing efforts to enhance internet access across communities. Recently, Microsoft has collaborated with SpaceX's Starlink, aiming to further expand global internet connectivity, enhancing opportunities for remote regions. Microsoft continues to leverage its resources and partnerships to ensure technology is accessible for all, making a significant impact on the digital divide.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has disclosed that engineers developed "Dara AI," his AI clone, designed for practice and presentation preparation rather than replacement. He indicated that as AI models evolve to learn in real-time, future executives may be at risk, stating, “When the models can learn in real-time, that is the point at which I'm going to think that, yeah, we are all replaceable.” Khosrowshahi emphasized the potential for AI to influence hiring and efficiency at Uber, suggesting the company may prioritize GPUs over new engineers as operations become more AI-driven.
Apple has launched new age-verification tools globally to adhere to U.S. and international child safety laws. Effective immediately, the App Store will prevent downloads of apps rated 18+ in Brazil, Australia, and Singapore unless users verify their age. Developers can utilize the updated Declared Age Range API, which allows them to determine a user's age category without accessing personal data. This initiative aims to enhance compliance with regulations governing adult-targeted applications.
Anthropic has accused Chinese AI firms DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, and MiniMax of conducting large-scale intellectual property theft by using “distillation” techniques to replicate the capabilities of its Claude chatbot. The firms reportedly created over 24,000 fraudulent accounts and engaged in 16 million exchanges with Claude. “These campaigns are growing in intensity and sophistication,” Anthropic stated, highlighting significant national security risks associated with their evasion of US export controls.