Tech News Roundup
Highlights
2026 has seen a surge in significant cybersecurity incidents, including breaches affecting government systems, critical infrastructure like energy and water utilities, and law enforcement surveillance tools, highlighting escalating cyber threats.
Microsoft and OpenAI Split Takes New Turn
Microsoft announced a suite of AI initiatives at its annual Build conference, including in-house reasoning models, AI agents, and a cybersecurity tool, signaling its intent to compete independently in the AI space after effectively splitting from OpenAI in late April.
UK Regulators Order Google to Offer Publisher Opt-Out Tools
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has imposed a new conduct rule requiring Google to provide publishers with tools to opt out of AI Search features like AI Overviews, and to prevent their content from being used in the fine-tuning of Google's AI models.
OpenAI and Anthropic Push for Biosecurity Safeguards
Major AI companies including OpenAI and Anthropic have signed a letter calling on lawmakers to improve tracking of synthetic DNA sequences that could potentially be misused for developing biological weapons.
Empty Robotaxis Raise Questions About Autonomous Vehicle Benefits
Research suggests that autonomous vehicles, including Waymo's robotaxis, may be traveling empty for nearly half their miles, raising questions about whether they can deliver on promises to reduce traffic congestion.
Read more: The worst hacks and breaches of 2026 (so far)
Read more: Microsoft and OpenAI broke up — now they're ready to fight
Read more: Google must let publishers opt out of AI Search features, rules UK
Read more: OpenAI and Anthropic Sign Letter to Prevent AI-Developed Biological Weapons
Read more: Autonomous vehicles were supposed to cut traffic—what if they don't?