Rockstar Games Delays “Grand Theft Auto VI” to Late 2026

Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto VI was initially set to launch on May 26th next year, but it has now been delayed once more, this time until the end of 2026. It’s been almost two years since the game’s announcement and over 12 years since the release of Grand Theft Auto V.

“Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on Thursday, November 19, 2026,” reads Rockstar Games’ statement on X. “We apologize for extending the wait that has already been extensive, but these extra months will enable us to complete the game to the standard of quality you expect and deserve.”

The highly anticipated game centers around a duo of romantically involved criminals, Jason and Lucia, set against Rockstar’s vibrant depictions of Miami, Vice City, and Leonida, a vast Florida-like state. Development has been ongoing at Rockstar North in Edinburgh since 2018, with contributions from the company’s other studios in New York and globally. The original target date was late 2025.

“GTA VI” is anticipated to rejuvenate the gaming industry, which has been experiencing a downturn following a surge during the coronavirus pandemic. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, has amassed $8.6 billion in revenue since its 2013 release, as per the latest financial report from game publisher Take-Two. Rockstar’s last game, the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption 2, launched in 2018 and earned $725 million in its opening weekend.

Meanwhile, fans have been eagerly looking forward to Rockstar’s latest title for quite some time. Even by gaming industry standards, where blockbuster titles often take six years to develop, the wait of over 12 years for Grand Theft Auto VI is considered lengthy.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Elon Musk’s XAI Files Lawsuits Against OpenAI Alleging Trade Secret Theft | Technology

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, Xai, has accused its competitor OpenAI of unlawfully appropriating trade secrets in a fresh lawsuit, marking the latest in Musk’s ongoing legal confrontations with his former associate, Sam Altman.

Filed on Wednesday in a California federal court, the lawsuit claims that OpenAI is involved in a “deeply nasty pattern” of behavior, where former Xai employees are allegedly hired to gain access to crucial trade secrets related to the AI chatbot Grok. Xai asserts that OpenAI is seeking unfair advantages in the fierce competition to advance AI technology.

According to the lawsuit, “OpenAI specifically targets individuals familiar with Xai’s core technologies and business strategies, including operational benefits derived from Xai’s source code and data center initiatives, which leads these employees to violate their commitments to Xai through illicit means.”


Musk and Xai have pursued multiple lawsuits against OpenAI over the years, stemming from a long-standing rivalry between Musk and Altman. Their relationship has soured significantly as Altman’s OpenAI continues to gain power within the tech industry, while Musk has pushed back against AI startup transitions into for-profit entities. Musk attempted to intervene before AI startups shifted to profit-driven models.

Xai’s recent complaint alleges that it uncovered a suspected campaign intended to sabotage the company while probing the trade secret theft allegations against former engineer Xuechen Li. Li has yet to respond to the lawsuit.

OpenAI has dismissed Xai’s claims, dubbing the lawsuit as part of Musk’s ongoing harassment against the company.

A spokesperson for OpenAI stated, “This latest lawsuit represents yet another chapter in Musk’s unrelenting harassment. We maintain strict standards against breaches of confidentiality or interest in trade secrets from other laboratories.”

The complaint asserts that OpenAI hired former Xai engineer Jimmy Fraiture and an unidentified senior finance official in addition to Li for the purpose of obtaining Xai’s trade secrets.

Additionally, the lawsuit includes screenshots from emails sent in July by Musk and Xai’s attorney Alex Spiro to a former Xai executive, accusing them of breaching their confidentiality obligations. The former employee, whose name was redacted in the screenshot, replied to Spiro with a brief email stating, “Suck my penis.”

Skip past newsletter promotions

Before becoming a legal adversary of OpenAI, Musk co-founded the organization with Altman in 2015, later departing in 2018 after failing to secure control. Musk accused Altman of breaching the “founding agreement” intended to enhance humanity, arguing that OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft for profit undermined that principle. OpenAI and Altman contend that Musk had previously supported the for-profit model and is now acting out of jealousy.

Musk, entangled in various lawsuits as both a plaintiff and defendant, filed suit against OpenAI and Apple last month concerning anti-competitive practices related to Apple’s support of ChatGPT within its App Store. The lawsuit alleges that his competitors are involved in a “conspiracy to monopolize the smartphone and AI chatbot markets.”

Altman took to X, Musk’s social platform, stating, “This is a surprising argument given Elon’s claims that he is manipulating X for his own benefit while harming rivals and individuals he disapproves of.”

Xai’s new lawsuit exemplifies the high-stakes competition in Silicon Valley to recruit AI talent and secure market dominance in a rapidly growing multi-billion-dollar industry. Meta and other firms have actively recruited AI researchers and executives, aiming to gain a strategic edge in developing more advanced AI models.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Arts and Media Groups Call for AI Training to Combat “Ramp Theft” of Australian Content

Arts, creative, and media organizations are urging the government to prohibit large tech companies from using Australian content and developing artificial intelligence models. There is growing concern that such a decision may “betray” Australian workers and facilitate the “widespread theft” of intellectual property.

The Albanese government has stated that it has no intention of altering copyright laws, but emphasizes that any changes must consider their effects on artists and news media. Opposition leader Sassan Ray has called for compensation for any use of copyrighted material.

“It is unacceptable for Big Tech to exploit the work of Australian artists, musicians, creators, and journalists without just compensation,” Ray asserted on Wednesday.


The Productivity Committee’s interim report titled “Utilizing Data and Digital Technology” proposes regulations for technologies, including AI in Australia, projecting a productivity increase of 0.5% to 13% over the next decade, thereby potentially adding $116 billion to the nation’s GDP.

The report highlighted that building AI models demands a substantial amount of data, prompting concerns from many players, including Creative Australia and copyright agencies, about the misuse of copyrighted content for AI training.

The committee outlined potential solutions, advocating for an expansion of licensing agreements, exemptions for “text and data mining,” and enhancements to existing fair trading regulations that are already in place in other countries.

This latter suggestion faced significant opposition from arts, creative, and media organizations. They expressed discontent at the idea of allowing wealthy tech companies to utilize their work for AI training without appropriate compensation.

Such a shift could jeopardize existing licensing agreements formed between publishers and creators with major tech firms and complicate negotiations for news media seeking fair compensation from social media platforms for journalism online.

Sign up: AU Breaking NewsEmail

The Australian Labour Union Council (ACTU) criticized the Productivity Committee’s proposal, claiming it exploits the interests of large multimillion-dollar corporations, warning that it may mislead efforts to assist Australian workers.

“The extensive discussion surrounding text and data mining exemptions risks normalizing the theft of creative works from Australian artists and Indigenous communities,” said ACTU.

Joseph Mitchell, ACTU Secretary, indicated that such exemptions would allow “high-tech corporations to reap the full benefits of advanced technology without giving back to the creators.”

APRA Chair Jenny Morris is among those who have voiced concerns over potential exemptions for “text and data mining” used in AI training. Photo: AAP

Australia’s music rights organizations, Apra Amcos and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Bureau, expressed disappointment regarding the committee’s recommendations, raising alarms about the implications for Australia’s $9 billion music sector.

APRA Chair Jenny Morris stressed that this recommendation highlights a recognition that these practices are already widespread.

Attorney General Michelle Roland, responsible for copyright legislation, stated that any advancements in AI must prioritize building trust and confidence.

“Any reforms to Australia’s copyright law must reflect the effects on the nation’s creative and news sectors. We remain dedicated to participating in dialogues around these issues, particularly with the copyright and AI reference groups initiated by the government last year,” she mentioned.

Skip past newsletter promotions

When asked about the committee’s findings, Ray expressed concern regarding the absence of sufficient “guardrails” from the government to tackle AI-related issues.

“We need to safeguard content creators… their work rightfully belongs to them, and we must not take it without compensating them,” she added.

Ed Fushik, former Minister for Industry and Technology for Workers, defended the overall outlook for the economy on Wednesday. Treasurer Jim Chalmers later commented on ABC’s 7.30, saying, “The mechanism you deploy, whether one act or multiple existing acts… is not the crux of the issue.”

“I believe we can strike a balance between concerns that AI is harmful and those who pretend we can return to a previous state,” he indicated.

“There are no current plans to undermine or alter Australia’s copyright arrangements.”

Arts Minister Tony Burke highlighted a submission from Creative Australia regarding the review. He stated that, “It emphasizes the necessity for consent, transparency, and fair compensation concerning copyright and labeling.”

In a statement, Creative Australia asserted that the nation has the potential to lead globally in establishing “fair standards” for AI application.

“Artists and creatives whose work is utilized in training AI are entitled to proper compensation,” a spokesperson remarked.

“Innovation should not come at the cost of ethical business practices.”

The Australian Publishers Association (APA) has expressed worries about the possibility of works being utilized without authorization or compensation.

“While we support responsible innovation, this draft proposal favors infringers over investors,” stated Patrizia Di Biase-Dyson, CEO of APA.

“We oppose the idea that Australian narratives and educational materials integral to our culture and democracy should be treated as free resources for corporate AI systems.”

The copyright agency likewise spoke against the text and data mining exemption, emphasizing that it would adversely affect creators’ revenue.

“The movement towards revision of the Australian copyright system stems from large multinational corporations, and it does not serve the national interest,” remarked CEO Josephine Johnston. “To empower Australia’s high-quality content in the new AI era, it’s critical that creators receive fair compensation.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Lawmakers Claim Apple and Google are Capitalizing on Rising Phone Theft | Crime

Lawmakers have accused Apple and Google of benefiting from millions of pounds linked to mobile phone theft operations that police claim are orchestrated by organized crime networks in the UK, Algeria, and China.

In London alone, 80,000 mobile devices were stolen in 2024, marking a significant increase from 64,000 in 2023—an uptick of a quarter. The total street value of these devices is estimated to be around £20 million, with iPhones constituting the majority of the thefts.

During a session of the House of Representatives’ Science and Technology Committee on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police indicated that smartphone manufacturers should actively work to diminish the resale value of stolen devices. They noted that companies are starting to prevent stolen phones from accessing cloud services, which could help in this regard.

However, despite calls for action since 2023, the companies have yet to respond positively, commented Darren Scates, the Metropolitan Police’s chief officer for digital data and technology.

“We’ve observed significant community impact,” remarked Martin Wrigley, a liberal Democrat on the committee. “[The companies] should implement this immediately, without excuses.”

When questioned about their inaction, representatives from the companies highlighted existing security features aimed at protecting customer data.

Simon Wingrove, Google’s software engineering manager, asserted that their system is “robust and highly effective.”

Gary Davis, Apple’s senior director of regulatory affairs, acknowledged that account disconnection due to fraud poses a challenge, as it can delete accounts that unauthorized users wish to regain access to.

Kit Malthouse, a Conservative former police minister, suggested that Apple has a strong commercial incentive to maintain the status quo, stating that the £50 million loss from stolen phones in London each year favors their business model.

He also proposed that Apple may be profiting from providing services to a vast number of users who own stolen mobile phones worldwide.

In response, Davis asserted: “We do not profit from this situation. We must reject the notion that users can somehow gain from the distress of having their phones stolen. We have invested hundreds of millions to ensure user protections.”

The Metropolitan Police reported a 15% decline in all types of thefts during April and May, with roughly two-thirds of mobile phone thefts decreasing. Commander James Conway cautioned that this is a “tentative reduction,” attributing it to enhanced police focus on mobile theft and user safety. Scotland Yard recently acquired a fleet of high-speed electric bikes to pursue thieves more effectively.

Conway noted that theft and robbery are “easy crimes to commit” in London, citing how young adults can use high-powered e-bikes to swiftly package stolen phones in silver foil or Faraday bags to evade detection, then transfer them to mid-market resellers.

The majority of stolen phones are high-end Apple models, with police estimating that such devices are sold on the streets for between £300 and £400. The trade is driven by the relatively high costs of phone usage in low-income regions. Over 90% of stolen mobile phones are reused, while the remainder is dismantled for parts, with screens being particularly valuable.

The hearing began as Malthouse witnessed an attempted phone theft by two masked individuals on a bike while en route to Congress on Tuesday morning.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Shakespeare’s Macbeth: A Tale of Violence and Decadence—Not Grand Theft Auto

Last week, The Guardian engaged with the creators of Lili, Macbeth’s video game, which was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. The prominent quote from this piece stated, “Shakespeare will write for today’s game.” Shakespeare was immersed in the Elizabethan era of theatre, a time when, much like contemporary video games, plays were regarded as mere popular entertainment and often overlooked for serious analysis or preservation! Authorities at the time similarly fretted over the violent and obscene nature of these plays and their potential influence on the masses.

If he were to embrace the notion of a 21st-century Shakespeare crafting games, what type would that entail? Our key argument is that Shakespeare was invested in populism and entertainment. Thus, if we focus on pure profit, he might develop casual smartphone games—akin to Tencent’s massively popular multiplayer arena game, King of Honor, which raked in $2.6 billion (£1.9 billion) last year. However, while the Bard had a fascination with royalty and honor (and certainly making money), it’s a stretch to envision Hamlet as a multiplayer arena-style battler. Surely, our noble characters would barely utter, “O, this would melt, thaw, and settle into dew. Before it evaporates with a barrage of sc-heat.” There’s also little room for the intricacies of storytelling or military rhetoric in battle royale games like Fortnite, despite Shakespeare’s acknowledged affinity for conflict and mortality.

No, if Shakespeare were to return in the early 21st century, it seems he would gravitate towards open-world role-playing adventures. In such a realm, he would have the freedom to craft nuanced stories with an array of characters in diverse settings. The marsh of King Lear could transform into a desolate wasteland, echoing the ravages of Fallout. Macbeth’s Castle might resemble Elden Ring’s ghostly dungeons or settings in The Witcher 3. Verona, home to Romeo and Juliet, could present a captivating yet troubled rendition reminiscent of GTA’s Los Santos. The persistent themes of Shakespeare—war’s nature, revenge, madness, and free will—are at the heart of fantasy RPGs. His talent for incorporating characters from all walks of life is mirrored in the intricate social hierarchies of expansive open-world games. Shakespeare’s historical narratives blend real and fictional figures, akin to the Assassin’s Creed series, which also grapples with themes of identity, disguise, and fantasy.

“This castle has a comfortable seat”… The Witcher 3 represents the kind of open-world RPG that a reborn bard could inspire. Photo: CD Projekt Red

Moreover, open-world games possess a similarly free-form structure and psychological depth as Shakespeare’s theatrical works. They feature subplots, side quests, nonlinear timelines, and morally complex characters. Vast and sprawling, these games invite diverse interpretations; audiences often become both spectators and participants within the narrative. Likewise, Shakespeare aimed for his audiences to engage with the performance, utilizing asides, quips, and monologues to blur the lines between the stage and the audience. Today’s vocal and interactive gamers share more with Shakespeare’s Elizabethan viewers than with the polite crowds of modern theater.

This intriguing intersection of Shakespeare and open-world games is gradually gaining recognition. A few years back, the RSC commissioned three artists to explore live theater interactions with technology. One such artist, digital creator Adam Clarke, experimented with staging Shakespeare’s performances in Minecraft. Recently, I viewed Grand Theft Hamlet, an incredible documentary showcasing efforts to perform Hamlet within Grand Theft Auto during the COVID lockdowns. After all, if any genre can technically express Shakespeare’s fundamental philosophy, it’s that of open-world online video games, where everyone is merely a player on the great stage of life.

What to play

An intriguing strategy sim… Lift Lift. Photo: Adriaan de Jongh

It’s always refreshing to witness a familiar video game genre reimagined thoughtfully. Lift Lift, created by Dutch designer Adriaan de Jongh and his small team, offers a fresh take on tower defense games—think Plants vs. Zombies. In this version, the landscape is significantly more expansive, incorporating tactical elements like the capacity to lay the groundwork for new towers before gathering the necessary resources. With engaging visual aesthetics and sound effects, this strategy sim proves appealing to both newcomers and veterans alike.

Available on: PC
Estimated playtime:
Over 15 hours

What to read

It’s a flesh scar… Elden Ring. Photo: Bandai Namco
  • Writer, director, and gaming enthusiast Alex Garland has confirmed his involvement in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Elden Ring, produced by A24 and Bandai Namco. If realized, the initial moments of the film will depict the protagonist’s repeated defeats at the hands of the Tree Sentinel Knight.

  • Pac-Man officially turns 45! The BFI features articles tracing the game’s development, from its origins as a pizza-inspired saga to the distinct personalities of the ghosts. However, Ms. Pac-Man remains the superior game.

  • Game design icon Peter Molyneux recently participated in a Q&A at the Nordic Game 2025 Conference, where gi.biz shared his intriguing insights on the fate of Project Milo. If you have to ask what it is, you may never know.

  • For those intrigued, check out Hurt Me Plenty, an exquisite coffee table book exploring the finest first-person shooters from the 2000s. It dissects titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Half-Life 2, and Unreal Tournament, along with an obscure gem known as Code Name: Nina—an insightful overview of this pivotal era in shooter game design.

What to click

Skip past newsletter promotions

Question block

The oddest game contender… Seaman. Photo: Sega

This query comes from Andy, who asked:

What is the strangest game you’ve ever played? Last year, I explored Harold Halibut on Game Pass, which stands out as one of the most bizarre experiences I’ve encountered. I’m eager to hear about other unusual gaming journeys.

I’ve played many peculiar titles. Seaman (the fish who speaks with Leonard Nimoy’s voice), Mr. Mosquito (where you embody a mosquito), and Catamari Damacy (where you roll up a massive ball of trash for the King of the Universe) have all left an imprint. I’ve also ventured into more obscure games like the Spectrum classic Fat Worm Blows a Sparx (you are a microscope worm trapped in a computer), the strange Amiga adventure Tone’s Tass Town (where you’re caught in a punk-infused 1980s dimension), and the quirky PlayStation 2 voyeur simulator Polaroid Pete (you’re a photographer capturing odd happenings in a park).

My personal favorite is Sega’s Ambulance Emergency Call, a game reminiscent of Crazy Taxi. If you collide too much, you have to perform CPR while transporting a critically ill patient. It was a notable arcade hit, yet it surprisingly didn’t make it to home consoles—I can’t fathom why!

If you have a blocking question or anything to share about the newsletter, please reach out to pushingbuttons@theguardian.com

Source: www.theguardian.com

GTA 6 Delivers: Will the Notorious Cynical Action Series Finally Embrace Romance?

something exciting is coming to Grand Theft Auto Universe next year. This isn’t just about stunning graphics or uncharted territories in Rockstar’s version of the US; it goes much deeper. If you caught the recently released second trailer for GTA6, it was unveiled mercilessly just days after the announcement that the game won’t be available until May next year. What’s new is romance.

The main characters in this latest gangster saga are Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, two young lovers from rough backgrounds. He’s a former attire turned drug runner, while she’s just out of prison and determined to create a better life for herself and her beloved mother. Their paths cross as they devise plans to escape their gritty surroundings. However, when a seemingly straightforward robbery takes a dangerous turn, they find themselves entangled in a sprawling criminal conspiracy. If Rockstar is telling a love story, you can bet it includes an Underworld Kingpin, gang members, conspiracy theorists, and a horrifying array of corrupt politicians.




Slazy Rider…Grand Theft Auto 6. Illustration: Rockstar Game

But how do writers create a couple that resonates with the series’ tone and lore? Traditionally, it has focused on deeply flawed, solitary characters like the PTSD-afflicted veteran Nico Bellic and the volatile Trevor Phillips. There was a brief romantic subplot in previous games—Mercedes Cortes, CJ’s short affair, the entanglements of Catalina in San Andreas, and the flirtations woven throughout Tommy Vercetti’s escapades. Even Trevor’s odd interactions with Patrice in GTA5 featured sparse love stories filled with Stockholm syndrome. Yet, in these narratives, emotional dynamics often took a backseat to violent heists and adrenaline-fueled car chases. The GTA universe has been largely nihilistic, emphasizing individualism often accompanied by a façade of camaraderie before brutal betrayal. However, the new GTA trailer hints at a fresh integrity. “Rather than superficial fantasies, Lucia is prepared to seize control. A life with Jason could lead her to new horizons.”

Writers still look to cinema for inspiration. With its themes of violence and luxury cars under the sun, Vice City drew from Scarface and Miami Vice. GTA: San Andreas channeled the cinematic essence of early ’90s South Central LA through films by John Singleton and the Hughes brothers. GTA 4 took cues from French crime dramas and Russian gangster films. Already, GTA6 is drawing comparisons to Bonnie and Clyde, another tale of troubled lovers willing to risk everything for love. Yet, Rockstar seems to have delved deeper, studying the true romance depicted in Sam Peckinpah’s classics and Terrence Malick’s Badlands—a story of a thrilling but ultimately discontent couple. Even Natural Born Killers may provide surreal inspiration for this new arc.

Regardless, this is timely. With all its satire and moral ambiguity, GTA titles have often lacked subtlety. Relationship dynamics have traditionally been tied to the honor code of dysfunctional families and the hypermasculine gangland ethos. This series has never featured a female lead protagonist until now. We’re witnessing the emergence of new dynamics.

Perhaps GTA will approach romance similarly to how it has explored friendship in the past. Take Roman and Nico in GTA 4, who embody contrasts of darkness and violence alongside meaningful risks. Expect minimal player influence in the relationship’s development since GTA isn’t a strict role-playing adventure. Story progression hinges more on actions rather than dialogue. However, I’m curious about what the writers have observed about human behavior from the increasingly popular multiplayer spinoff, GTA Online, where dedicated role-playing servers have fostered virtual relationships.

In any case, I’m rooting for Lucia and Jason. They represent some of the most intriguing characters we’ve seen in the series—already generating buzz online as fans have shipped them. While Rockstar’s art team typically depicts characters as reflections of internal decay, these two are undeniably attractive and share a strong chemistry. Perhaps Rockstar recognizes that the current state of the world—and perhaps our desires—yearns for genuine romantic connection. Next May, expect both love and bullets to fly.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Grand Theft Auto VI Delayed to May 2026

Rockstar Games has postponed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 26th, 2026. Originally slated for this fall, concerns were growing within the industry due to the uncertainty surrounding the launch date.

The announcement was made through a brief post on their website. The company stated: “We sincerely apologize for this delay, which has taken longer than we anticipated. The excitement and interest in the new Grand Theft Auto has truly humbled our entire team. We appreciate your support and patience as we finalize the game.”

“With every game we release, our objective has always been to elevate your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no different. Please know that we need this additional time to ensure the high level of quality you expect and deserve.”

It has been over ten years since the launch of Grand Theft Auto V, which has sold 210 million copies, making it one of the most successful video games alongside Minecraft and Tetris. GTA V itself experienced multiple delays before its final release in September 2013.

Since the teaser video was unveiled in December 2023, little has been disclosed about GTA VI. This open-world crime thriller is set to unfold in a Miami-inspired version of the game world, featuring the hometown of Leonida. The narrative is anticipated to follow seasoned criminal Lucia as she engages in an ambitious heist alongside a male counterpart.

No additional details regarding the delays of GTA VI have surfaced. However, Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two, is scheduled to announce its financial results on May 15th, where questions from journalists and shareholders are likely to take center stage.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Authors in London protest Meta’s theft of book and use of ‘Shadow Library’ to train AI

A demonstration will be held today outside Meta’s London office by authors and other publishing industry experts protesting the organization’s use of copyrighted books for training artificial intelligence.

Notable figures like novelists Kate Moss and Tracy Chevalier, poet Daljit Nagra, and former chairman of the Royal Literature Society, are expected to be present outside Meta’s Kings Cross office.

Protesters will gather at Granary Square at 1:30 pm, with hand-written letters to Meta by the Authors Association (SOA) planned for 1:45 pm, also to be sent to Meta’s US headquarters.

Earlier this year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg allegedly approved the use of Libgen, known as the “Shadow Library,” which contains over 7.5 million books. The Atlantic recently released a searchable database of the titles in Libgen, suggesting that authors’ works may have been used to train Meta’s AI models.

SOA Chair Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin condemned Meta’s actions as “illegal, shocking, and devastating for writers.”

Vanessa added, “Books take years to write, and Meta stealing them for AI replication threatens authors’ livelihoods.”

In response, a Meta spokesperson claimed they respect intellectual property rights and believe their actions comply with the law.

Skip past newsletter promotions

Several prominent authors, including Moss, Richard Osman, Isiguro Kawako, and Val McDermid, signed a letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandi asking for Meta executives to appear before Congress. The petition garnered over 7,000 signatures.

Today’s protest is led by novelist AJ West, who expressed dismay at seeing their work in the Libgen database without consent.

A court filing in January revealed a group of authors suing Meta for copyright infringement, noting the impact on authors’ rights by using unauthorized databases like Libgen.

SOA’s chief executive Anna Gunley emphasized the detrimental effect of companies exploiting authors’ copyrighted works.

Protesters are encouraged to create placards and use hashtags like #MetaBookThieves, #DothewRiteThing, #MakeItfair.

Source: www.theguardian.com

2020 Artificial Intelligence (AI): British novelist slams government for AI “theft”

Kate Mosse and Richard Osman have criticized Labor’s proposal to grant wide-ranging freedom to artificial intelligence companies to data mine artwork, warning that it could stifle growth in the creative sector and amount to theft.

Best-selling authors have joined Keir Starmer in opposing the national initiative to establish Britain as an “AI superpower,” endorsing a 50-point action plan that includes changes to how technology companies utilize copyrighted content and data for training models.

There is ongoing debate among ministers regarding whether to permit major technology companies to gather substantial amounts of books, music, and other creative works unless copyright owners actively opt out.

This move is aimed at accelerating growth for AI companies in the UK, as training AI models necessitates substantial amounts of data. Technology companies argue that existing copyright laws create uncertainty and pose a risk to development speed.

However, creators advocate for AI companies to pay for the use of their work, expressing disappointment when the Prime Minister endorsed the proposal. The EU is also pushing for a similar system requiring copyright holders to opt out of data mining processes.

The AI Creative Rights Alliance, comprising various trade bodies, criticized Starmer’s stance as “deeply troubling” and called for the preservation of the current copyright system. They urged ministers to consider their concerns.

Renowned artists like Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Stephen Fry, and Hugh Bonneville have raised concerns about AI potentially threatening their livelihoods. A petition warns against the unauthorized use of creative works for AI training.

Mosse emphasized the importance of using AI responsibly without compromising the creative industries’ growth potential, while Osman stressed the necessity of seeking permission and paying fees for using copyrighted works to prevent theft.

The government’s AI action plan, formulated by venture capitalist Matt Clifford, calls for reforming the UK’s text and data mining regulations to align with the EU’s standards, highlighting the need for competitive policies.

The government’s response to the action plan emphasizes the goal of creating a competitive copyright regime supportive of both the AI sector and creative industries. Starmer expressed his support for the recommendations.

Various industry representatives, including Joe Twist from the British Recording Industry, advocate for a balanced approach that fosters growth in both the creative and AI sectors without undermining Britain’s creative prowess.

Critics argue that AI companies should not be allowed to exploit creative works for profit without permission or compensation. The ongoing consultation on copyright policies aims to establish a framework benefiting both sectors.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Games to Look Forward to in 2025: Dragons, Demons, and Grand Theft Auto VI

Civilization VII

The rules of Civilization remain the same in this long-standing strategy series, but Civilization VII is set to receive a much-needed update. With a release date of February 11th, players can expect more leaders and peoples to choose from as they navigate world domination from ancient times to modern eras.
Released on February 11th on all platforms

Grand Theft Auto VI

Rockstar’s latest installment in the Grand Theft Auto series, Grand Theft Auto VI, features a female protagonist named Lucia and is set in a vibrant Florida environment resembling Vice City. With the immense success of GTA V, generating $8.5 billion, the anticipation for this game is high, although the release date is yet to be determined.
Release date: TBD on PlayStation 5, Xbox, PC

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

From the creators of Life is Strange comes Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, a narrative game that follows a group of teenage bandmates on a mysterious journey. Jump between the summer of 1995 and the present day in this visually stunning game, released on February 18th.
Released on February 18th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, PC

Atom fall. Photo: Rebellion

monster hunter wilds

Embark on a thrilling adventure in Monster Hunter Wilds, a game by Japanese developer Capcom known for their impressive titles. With its captivating creatures, spectacular weapons, and diverse environments, this game promises an exciting experience for players. Release date set for February 28th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC.

atom fall

Fans of post-apocalyptic settings will enjoy Atomfall, a game from British developer Rebellion set in an alternate timeline following the 1957 Windscale fire in Britain. Pulpy references and elements from popular culture make this game a unique experience. Released on March 27th on PC, PS4/5, and Xbox.

DOOM: Dark Ages

Get ready for an even more intense experience in DOOM: Dark Ages, the next installment in the iconic first-person shooter series. Expect gore, demons, and medieval warfare in this high-octane game. Release date to be announced for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC.

metroid prime 4

Anticipated for the upcoming Nintendo Switch successor, Metroid Prime 4 is a space adventure game developed by Retro Studios. With a legacy of sci-fi excellence, fans are eager to see what new innovations this game will bring to the beloved series.
Release date: TBD on Nintendo Switch

Doom: The Dark Ages. Photo: Bethesda

Like a Dragon: Hawaiian Pirate Yakuza

Experience the oceanic adventures of Goro Majima in Like a Dragon: Hawaiian Pirate Yakuza, a game that combines Japanese gangster themes with high-seas action. Set to release on February 21st on PC, PS4/5, and Xbox, this game promises a blend of naval combat, sword-wielding, and treasure hunting.
Release date: February 21st on PC, PS4/5, Xbox

fable

Get ready for a comical fantasy adventure in Fable, starring Richard Ayoade and Matt King. This game aims to revive the beloved Fable series with its humor and unique British sensibilities. Release date to be announced for Xbox and PC.
Release date: TBA on Xbox, PC

Claire Obscur: Expedition 33

Enter a dark fantasy world in Claire Obscur: Expedition 33, a French game with a captivating storyline. Explore a twisted wilderness and unravel mysteries in a game filled with intriguing environments and supernatural elements. Release date to be announced for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of Grand Theft Hamlet: Shakespeare’s Performance in the Game is Riveting and Exciting

a Great idea, brilliantly executed. Hilarious, surreal, and, yes, really exciting in a weird way. This could be the Marat/Sade of the 21st century. During lockdown, two out-of-work actors, Sam Crane and Marc Oosterveen, played Grand Theft Auto (GTA) online (remotely to each other), and the entire movie It is shown as an in-game action feature in GTA. Their avatars navigate the vast, intricately detailed cityscape of Los Santos, similar to Los Angeles, where the action takes place, while avoiding being shot, mutilated, and mauled in the usual GTA fashion. While running through the area, they happened to come across a deserted group of people. Vinewood Bowl Amphitheater. So they staged an in-game production of Hamlet there, recruiting other gamers to play the roles, donning various bizarre costumes, handles, and personas, and using virtual reality in a zero-gravity, near-realistic way. I thought it might be possible to move around the space., the avatar’s lips move almost in sync as they speak their lines into a microphone.

They audition for all comers. In this noisy business, strange people appear who tend to use flamethrowers and rocket launchers to destroy others for no reason during the explanation of their works. But they also meet people who have fascinating or inspiring stories to tell. Finally, the finished performance is shown, with an atmospheric musical soundtrack that was probably added later for the film.

Coincidentally, they don’t stick to the Vinewood Bowl stage, instead boldly expanding their reach throughout the city. As one of the leads says, this is Shakespeare on a billion dollar budget, or the Shakespeare Elon Musk can afford to make. Crane and Oosterveen, along with Pinny Grylls (who co-directed with Crane), explore the game’s never-ending, dark violence, how close it is to the violence of Shakespeare’s world, and how depressed they are by the stagnation of lockdown. I look back in fascination. It provides a new dreamlike insight into Hamlet’s melancholy.

The result is something like Baz Luhrmann’s gangbanger Romeo + Juliet or Tom Stoppard’s play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, in which actors roam the land performing a show. It’s so wild that you wonder if anyone is watching it. It’s really funny and sweet when Crane, Oosterveen, and Grylls start arguing among themselves in the quirky GTA setting. (Maybe they were just making a little fuss about these “real” crises, but that doesn’t matter.)

To me, Oosterveen’s bemused voice sounds a lot like Simon Jones as Arthur Dent in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and it’s no surprise that Douglas Adams would have loved this movie. I say this as a compliment. It certainly was.

Skip past newsletter promotions

Grand Theft Hamlet will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from December 6th.

Source: www.theguardian.com

UK government deliberates on retaliatory measures against Russian hackers responsible for theft of NHS records

According to The Guardian, the government is contemplating a response to Russian hackers who obtained records of 300 million NHS patient interactions, including sensitive data like HIV and cancer blood test results.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is exploring potential actions against the Russia-based ransomware group Qilin, who recently leaked the stolen NHS records in a cyber attack on June 3.

Healthcare leaders in London, where the attack occurred, set up a helpline to address concerns from worried patients about their data and advised against contacting hospitals or GP practices directly for information.

The NCA and the National Cyber Security Centre are discussing possible responses to the ransom demand of $50 million, which has so far been ignored, prompting concerns about the severity of the attack.

Experts from the NCA are working to remove the data leaked by Kirin on the messaging platform, but the extent of the damage and the potential impact of retrieving or deleting the data remain uncertain.

Authorities have dealt with similar ransomware gangs previously, including taking down the LockBit group with international cooperation, showcasing their commitment to combatting cyber threats.

The recent attack on the NHS reveals a major breach in patient data security, affecting multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities, leading to cancellations and disruptions in medical services.

Patients are cautioned to be vigilant against potential scams targeting them based on the leaked data and are advised to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities immediately.

The NHS Helpline is available for patients seeking information or assistance related to the incident, and efforts are being made to minimize the impact of the data breach on patient care.

The release of private healthcare test records along with NHS data indicates a broader breach that could have far-reaching implications, underscoring the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the healthcare sector.

Despite ongoing challenges, healthcare providers are striving to maintain essential services for patients while addressing the fallout from the cyber attack on the NHS.

Cybersecurity experts stress the importance of swift action in response to data breaches, indicating that negotiations with ransomware groups typically end once data is leaked.

While the situation remains precarious, authorities and healthcare institutions are working diligently to mitigate the impact of the attack and prevent further breaches in the future.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Exposure: A decade ago, the auto industry was alerted to the increased theft risk of keyless car technology.

The automobile industry disregarded warnings from over a decade ago about the risks of keyless technology in modern vehicles leading to a rise in vehicle thefts, as revealed by an investigation in the automotive sector. The observer can disclose.

Legal and computer experts had cautioned that keyless entry and vehicle software were vulnerable to being “hacked” due to inadequate security measures.

Findings indicated that car owners could potentially face theft without any evidence of forced entry in the future.

The surge in vehicle crimes through keyless entry has resulted in record hikes in car insurance costs, with some drivers now confronted with premiums exceeding £2,000 annually. Car thefts in England and Wales reached a decade-high in the year leading up to March 2023.

Observers discovered the following:

Devices camouflaged as gaming consoles, referred to as ’emulators’, are utilized by thieves to mimic electronic keys and steal vehicles within 20 seconds. This is applicable to Hyundai and Kia models.

The ‘smart’ devices are available for purchase online for up to £5,000, allowing criminals to breach a vehicle’s computer system and program a new key.

Police in various regions report a high rate of keyless car thefts and are resolving some cases within 24 hours, even with CCTV footage available.

Nick Freeman, an attorney specializing in the automotive industry, remarked: “The automotive sector was neglectful as they were forewarned about this new technology emerging. It’s a dire situation where individuals are compelled to pay exorbitant insurance premiums.

In November, Jaguar Land Rover announced a £10m investment to enhance the security of high-target car models manufactured between 2018 and 2022. The observer Investigations highlighted similar security vulnerabilities in other vehicles, prompting Hyundai to acknowledge this weekend that criminals had “utilized a device to unlawfully disable smart key lock systems” to access their vehicles. They affirmed the immediate implementation of preventive measures.

A report from 2011 by researchers at the University of California and the University of Washington indicated the potential for attacks on the software in contemporary cars, potentially allowing breaching the car’s telematics system to unlock doors and start the engine without authorization.

An article published in the April 2012 Computer Law and Security Review by specialist barrister Stephen Mason highlighted the vulnerability of keyless systems, warning that vehicles could be stolen without any forced entry unless security enhancements were introduced.

Mr. Mason expressed, “There was a sense of complacency and lack of concern in the automotive sector that hesitated to invest in proper security. We now have state-of-the-art cars with advanced technology, yet owners rely on traditional steering locks for theft protection.”

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) refutes claims of security lapses in the industry, suggesting it is engaged in an ongoing battle with criminals. SMMT CEO Mike Hawes stated: “Automakers continuously introduce new technology to outsmart criminals. This investment has significantly reduced vehicle theft over the past three decades.

“Manufacturers are continually strengthening their security systems, but technology alone cannot prevent all thefts, which is why our industry collaborates closely with law enforcement, insurers, and other security stakeholders.”

The Home Office reports an overall reduction in vehicle crime, including thefts from vehicles. A spokesperson emphasized the importance of law enforcement in addressing motor vehicle crime and commended their commitment to pursuing thorough investigations.

“We have made significant strides in combating vehicle crime, which has decreased by 39% since 2010. New regulations in the Criminal Justice Bill will outlaw electronic devices used in vehicle theft.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

How to Protect Yourself from iPhone Theft After a $300,000 Theft

Let’s synchronize his advice.

Homeless turned tech mastermind serves 94 months in prison for year-long smartphone theft case, reveals secrets of criminal dealings To the Wall Street Journal.

Before being arrested as part of a grand theft ring in Minnesota last year, 26-year-old Aaron Johnson stole iPhones and manipulated financial apps to steal an estimated $300,000.

Johnson’s sinister approach did not seem harmless to i-witnesses. His victims often willingly handed over their cell phones to him.

He targeted women in bars and clubs who were inebriated and unguarded.

Convicted thief Aaron Johnson tells how he steals and flips iPhones. wall street journal

College men in particular are easily marked because “they’re already drunk and don’t really know what’s going on,” Johnson explained.

He noted that women are more aware of their surroundings and are more alert to suspicious people.

Johnson would often supply his victims with drugs or ask them to add him on platforms like Snapchat.

“I say, ‘Hey, your phone is locked.’ What’s your passcode? I say something like ‘2-3-4-5-6.’ And I just remember that,” Johnson recalls. Johnson would record people entering the codes if possible.

Once inside the house, he quickly accessed the Settings app and changed his phone and Apple ID passwords “faster than you can say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

It also disabled tracking features such as “Find My iPhone” and added its own biometric authentication to Face ID.

Johnson, 26, stole an iPhone and operated a financial app to steal an estimated $300,000. TheaDesign – Stock.adobe.com

The latter was the “key to everything” because it allowed access to passwords in iCloud Keychain.

For these reasons, Apple is rolling out stolen device protection in iOS 17.3.

This feature intentionally introduces a one-hour delay before implementing password or Face ID or Touch ID changes when the phone or other product is operating in an unfamiliar location.

Johnson said he was able to flip the device over in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. wall street journal

For Johnson’s victims, the anti-theft measures came too late.

After quickly bypassing the device’s security protocols, he went straight to banking and cryptocurrency apps while simultaneously searching notes and photos for sensitive information such as social security numbers.

By the next day, when the victims had sobered up, Johnson had already sent money through apps like Apple Pay and was able to go shopping. He sometimes bought higher-end devices at the Apple Store, such as the $1,200 iPad Pro model. That he would resell it for cash.

According to WSJ, Johnson plans to drop off 30 iPhones and iPads over a nice weekend, worth up to $20,000.

Johnson said his reason for revealing his nefarious tricks was, “I’m already in prison.”

“I feel like I should be on the other side of things and try to help people,” he added.

Source: nypost.com

British Teenager, Arion Courtaj, Sentenced for Hacking ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’

The teenager behind the infamous hacking incident in which footage of the unreleased Grand Theft Auto VI game was leaked online has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.

Arion Kurtaj, 18, a “principal figure” in the Lapsus$ group, has hacked into major technology companies, including Rockstar Games, the developer of the highly successful video game series.

He stole code and footage from the unreleased Grand Theft Auto VI. The long-awaited sequel It will be in stores next year, more than 10 years after it was last released.

Kurtaj Some of the stolen footage has been released In an online forum, he blackmailed developer Rockstar, threatening to release its source code if it did not contact him last September.

Judge Patricia Rees said the hack “cost Rockstar a significant loss of incalculable marketing opportunities,” adding that in addition to thousands of hours of employee labor, the company lost more than $1.5 million in outside help alone. It said it cost about $1.2 million (approximately £1.2 million).

Kurtaj also said that over a 14-month period from July 2021 to September last year, when he was 16 and 17 years old, he had access to broadband provider BT, mobile phone operator EE, software companies NVIDIA and Uber. targeted and demanded millions of dollars.

Psychiatrists had ruled that Kurtaj, who is autistic, was unfit to face charges or stand trial.

However, the jury found he had committed 12 criminal acts. The charges included six counts of committing a fraudulent act to interfere with the operation of a computer, three counts of extortion, two counts of fraud, and failure to comply. After a two-month incident, he served a Section 49 notice to disclose the keys after failing to hand over his mobile phone password when asked by police.

image:
The pair were sentenced at Guildford Crown Court.file photo

read more:
GTA VI trailer: What we learned from the first look at the next Grand Theft Auto game

The judge ordered him to remain in hospital indefinitely, with restrictions under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act, meaning he could only be discharged if the Attorney-General gives permission.

Courtaj, who cannot be named because of his age, pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud and one count of fraud and was sentenced along with a 17-year-old boy who was also convicted of one count of fraud. received. He committed extortion and fraudulent activities that interfered with the operation of computers.

“You two were at the center of a series of cyber crimes carried out by a group of hackers calling themselves Lapsus$,” the judge said.

“The group targeted major technology companies, subjecting them to hacking, blackmail, and fraud.”

The court heard that the young man was a member of the group from July 2021, when he was 15, to February last year, and was involved in crimes against EE/BT and Nvidia, with the hack costing the company $5 million (approx. The court found that the remediation costs amounted to $1. .

The judge said the boy, who has been diagnosed with autism, also carried out a “brazen hack” into the City of London Police system to access CCTV footage.

This teenager used an international government official’s email address to send emergency disclosure requests to companies including Discord, Google and Uber, obtaining personal information about the people he targeted before scamming youth courts. He was also found guilty of stalking, the court heard.

He was given a Youth Rehabilitation Order including an 18-month supervision requirement and a six-month prohibited behavior requirement to stop using VPNs.

Source: news.sky.com

Google’s AI demo was fake, Grand Theft Auto VI captures attention, Spotify reduces workforce

Welcome to the Week in Review (WiR)

Welcome everyone to Week in Review (WiR). This is TechCrunch’s regular newsletter that recaps the past few days in technology. AI is back in the headlines, with tech giants from Google to X (formerly Twitter) taking on OpenAI for chatbot supremacy. But so much more happened. In this issue of WiR, Google fakes a demo of a new AI model (and handed out an offensive note to Black Summit attendees), defense startup Anduril unveils fighter jet weapons, and the latest from the 23andMe hack The Continuing Aftermath and Grand Theft Auto VI trailer. Other stories include patient scans and health records leaked online, Meta’s new AI-powered image generator, Spotify layoffs, and self-driving truck startup pulling out of the US. There’s a lot to do, so don’t delay. But before that, if you haven’t already, here’s a reminder to subscribe here so you can receive her WiR in your inbox every Saturday.

Google fakes a new AI model (and hands out an offensive note to Black Summit attendees)

Google this week announced a new flagship AI model called Gemini. However, the complete model Gemini Ultra was not released, only a “lite” version called Gemini Pro. Google touted Gemini’s coding and multimodal capabilities in press conferences and blog posts, claiming the model can understand not only text but also images, audio, and video. However, because Gemini Pro is strictly text input and text output, it has proven to be error-prone. And to make matters worse for Google, the company was caught faking the Gemini demo by adjusting the text prompts with still images taken away from the camera. In another Google PR failure, people who attended the company’s K&I Black Summit in August were given third-party notebooks containing extremely insensitive language. My colleague Dominique Madri wrote that the inside of the notebook had the phrase “I was just now” printed on it. cotton That was the moment, but I came back to take your notes” (emphasis on our notes). Needless to say, this would not have been well-received by the mostly black audience in attendance. Google promises to “avoid similar situations.”

Anduril’s new weapons

Anduril, the controversial defense company co-founded by Oculus founder Palmer Lackey, has developed a new product designed to counter the proliferation of low-cost, high-powered aerial threats. A modular, twin-jet-powered, autonomous vertical take-off and landing aircraft (one version of which can carry warheads), called the Roadrunner, can take off from, track, and destroy targets, as well as intercept them. If there is no need, you can intercept the target. autonomously maneuver back to base, refuel and reuse. More 23andMe victims: Last Friday, genetic testing company 23andMe announced that hackers had accessed the personal data of 0.1% of its customers, or about 14,000 people. But the company initially declined to say how many other users may have been affected by the breach, which 23andMe first disclosed in October. In all, 6.9 million people had their name, year of birth, relationship label, percentage of his DNA shared with relatives, ancestry reports, and self-reported location exposed.

Grand Theft Auto VI trailer goes viral

The first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI reached 85 million views in just 22 hours, breaking the MrBeast video’s record for most YouTube views in 24 hours. The excitement for Grand Theft Auto VI continues for his decade. The previous installment in Rockstar Games’ long-running series, Grand Theft Auto V, remains the same. second best selling Best video game of all time, not even close to Minecraft.

Patient records leaked

A security weakness in a decades-old industry standard designed for storing and sharing medical images has led to thousands of exposed servers exposing the medical records and personal health information of millions of patients. I am. This standard, known as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM), is an internationally recognized format for medical images. However, as German-based cybersecurity consultancy Aplite has discovered, security flaws in DICOM are allowing many healthcare facilities to unintentionally make their personal data accessible from the open web.

Meta generates images

Not to be outdone by the launch of Google’s Gemini, Meta has launched a new standalone generative AI experience, Imagine with Meta AI, on the web. This allows users to create images by describing them in natural language. Similar to OpenAI’s DALL-E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion, Imagine with Meta AI leverages Meta’s existing Emu image generation model to create high-resolution images from text prompts.

Spotify makes layoffs

Spotify will cut around 1,500 jobs, or about 17% of its workforce, in its third round of layoffs this year as the music streaming giant aims to “increase both productivity and efficiency.” It’s a schedule. In a memo to employees on Monday, Spotify founder and CEO Daniel Ek cited slowing economic growth and rising costs of capital, saying the company needs more employees to face “the challenges ahead.” He stated that it is important to set an appropriate size of staff.

TuSimple will exit

When TuSimple went public in 2021, it was emerging as the leading self-driving truck developer in the U.S., but now, after a series of internal disputes and the loss of a key partnership with truck manufacturer Navistar, TuSimple is completely removed from the U.S. We are withdrawing. TuSimple says:

ZestMoney will shut down

ZestMoney, a buy-now-pay-later startup that can underwrite small loans to first-time Internet customers and has attracted a number of high-profile investors, including Goldman Sachs, has found a buyer. Efforts failed and it was closed. At its peak, the Bangalore-based startup employed around 150 people and raised more than $130 million during its eight-year run.

TechCrunch’s latest podcast episodes

TechCrunch’s list of podcast episodes continues to grow, just in time for your weekend listening. capital We featured a retrospective conversation from TechCrunch Disrupt 2023. Alex is the founder of Trible, a no-code app builder that helps you build online courses. He spoke with Serhii Bohoslovskyi. The two talked about the current state of the creator economy, the state of use of no-code tools today (and how it’s being embraced by non-technical creators), and the safety of startups with Ukrainian roots. . It’s over found, the crew spoke to David Rogier, CEO and founder of MasterClass, a streaming platform where you can learn from world experts on a variety of topics. Before Rogier launched his MasterClass, he worked as a VC, and through those connections he secured a $500,000 seed round before the company even had an idea. and, Chain reaction, Jacqueline interviewed David Packman, Managing Partner and Head of Venture Investments at Coinfund. Prior to CoinFund, David worked at venture capital firm Venrock where he worked for 14 years. He also led the Series A and B rounds of Dollar Shave Club, which was acquired by Unilever for $1 billion. And he co-created Apple Music in 1991, when David was in Apple’s Systems Software Product Marketing Group.

Source: techcrunch.com

McLaren Healthcare discloses ransomware attack resulting in 2.2 million patient data theft

Michigan-based McLaren Healthcare has confirmed that the sensitive personal and health information of 2.2 million patients was compromised in a cyberattack earlier this year. Later, a ransomware gang took credit for the cyberattack.

in New Data Breach Notification McLaren said in a filing with the Maine attorney general that hackers breached its systems over a three-week period from July 28 to Aug. 23, before the health care company noticed it a week later on Aug. 31. He said that he had done so.

According to McLaren, the hackers accessed a wealth of medical information, including patients’ names, dates of birth, and social security numbers, as well as invoices, billing and diagnostic information, prescription and drug details, and information about diagnostic results and treatments. It is said that he did. Medicare and Medicaid patient information was also collected.

McLaren is a healthcare provider with 13 hospitals in Michigan and approximately 28,000 employees. McLaren, which touts cost-efficiency efforts on its website, made more than $6 billion in revenue in 2022.

News of the incident broke in October when the Alphv ransomware group (also known as BlackCat) claimed responsibility for the cyberattack, claiming that millions of patients’ personal information was stolen. day to day after a cyber attack Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents that the breach “could potentially impact a large number of patients.”

TechCrunch has reviewed several screenshots posted by ransomware gangs on dark web leak sites, which show the company’s password manager, internal financial statements, some employee information, and patient-related information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers. Confirmed that it showed access to spreadsheets of personal and health information. , social security number, and diagnostic information.

Alphv/BlackCat claimed in the post that the gang had been in contact with McLaren representatives, but provided no evidence of this.

Contacted via email, McLaren spokesperson David Jones declined to comment beyond the company’s official statement or answer our questions about the incident. A spokesperson declined to say whether the company had received any payment requests or paid the hackers. McLaren’s chief information security officer, George Goble, declined to make him available for an interview.

What McLaren is currently facing is At least 3 class action lawsuits In connection with cyber attacks.

Source: techcrunch.com