Iran’s internet shutdown is now one of its longest ever, as protests continue
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/irans-internet-shutdown-is-now-one-of-its-longest-ever-as-protests-continue/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/irans-internet-shutdown-is-now-one-of-its-longest-ever-as-protests-continue/
TechCrunch
Iran’s internet shutdown is now one of its longest ever, as protests continue | TechCrunch
Iran’s government-imposed internet shutdown enters its second week as authorities continue their violent crackdown on protesters.
AI video startup, Higgsfield, founded by ex-Snap exec, lands $1.3B valuation
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/ai-video-startup-higgsfield-founded-by-ex-snap-exec-lands-1-3b-valuation/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/ai-video-startup-higgsfield-founded-by-ex-snap-exec-lands-1-3b-valuation/
TechCrunch
AI video startup, Higgsfield, founded by ex-Snap exec, lands $1.3B valuation | TechCrunch
Higgsfield says it's on a $200 million annual revenue run rate. So it opened its previous Series A round back up and sold another $80 million in shares.
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Taiwan to invest $250B in US semiconductor manufacturing
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/taiwan-to-invest-250b-in-us-semiconductor-manufacturing/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/taiwan-to-invest-250b-in-us-semiconductor-manufacturing/
TechCrunch
Taiwan to invest $250B in US semiconductor manufacturing | TechCrunch
The U.S. struck a trade deal with Taiwan as the country looks to help boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
The AI lab revolving door spins ever faster
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/the-ai-lab-revolving-door-spins-ever-faster/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/the-ai-lab-revolving-door-spins-ever-faster/
TechCrunch
The AI lab revolving door spins ever faster | TechCrunch
AI labs just can't get their employees to stay put. Yesterday’s big AI news was the abrupt and seemingly acrimonious departure of three top executives at Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines lab.
AI journalism startup Symbolic.ai signs deal with Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/ai-journalism-startup-symbolic-ai-signs-deal-with-rupert-murdochs-news-corp/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/ai-journalism-startup-symbolic-ai-signs-deal-with-rupert-murdochs-news-corp/
TechCrunch
AI journalism startup Symbolic.ai signs deal with Rupert Murdoch's News Corp | TechCrunch
The startup claims its AI platform can help optimize editorial processes and research.
Silicon Valley’s messiest breakup is definitely headed to court
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/silicon-valleys-messiest-breakout-is-definitely-headed-to-court/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/silicon-valleys-messiest-breakout-is-definitely-headed-to-court/
TechCrunch
Silicon Valley's messiest breakup is definitely headed to court | TechCrunch
OpenAI and Microsoft tried to dodge a courtroom showdown with Elon Musk, but a federal judge on Thursday rejected their requests to dismiss the case.
Anthropic taps former Microsoft India MD to lead Bengaluru expansion
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/anthropic-taps-former-microsoft-india-md-to-lead-bengaluru-expansion/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/15/anthropic-taps-former-microsoft-india-md-to-lead-bengaluru-expansion/
TechCrunch
Anthropic taps former Microsoft India MD to lead Bengaluru expansion | TechCrunch
Irina Ghose joins Anthropic as India managing director after 24 years at Microsoft.
Italy investigates Activision Blizzard for pushing in-game purchases
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/italy-investigates-activision-blizzard-for-pushing-in-game-purchases/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/italy-investigates-activision-blizzard-for-pushing-in-game-purchases/
TechCrunch
Italy investigates Activision Blizzard for pushing in-game purchases | TechCrunch
Italy has launched two investigations into Microsoft's Activision Blizzard, alleging the company has engaged in "misleading and aggressive" sales practices for two of its most popular smartphone games.
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YouTube relaxes monetization guidelines for some controversial topics
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/youtube-relaxes-monetization-guidelines-for-some-controversial-topics/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/youtube-relaxes-monetization-guidelines-for-some-controversial-topics/
TechCrunch
YouTube relaxes monetization guidelines for some controversial topics | TechCrunch
These controversial topics include self-harm, abortion, suicide, and domestic and sexual abuse.
Chinese EVs inch closer to the US as Canada slashes tariffs
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/chinese-evs-inch-closer-to-the-us-as-canada-slashes-tariffs/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/chinese-evs-inch-closer-to-the-us-as-canada-slashes-tariffs/
TechCrunch
Chinese EVs inch closer to the US as Canada slashes tariffs | TechCrunch
The country is dropping its import tax from 100% to just 6.1%, with an initial annual cap of 49,000 cars.
X is down for the second time this week
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/x-is-down-for-the-second-time-this-week/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/x-is-down-for-the-second-time-this-week/
TechCrunch
X is down for the second time this week | TechCrunch
Elon Musk's X, formerly Twitter, is down for the second time this week. Nearly 80,000 reports have spiked on Down Detector since around 10 a.m. ET Friday morning.
How a hacking campaign targeted high-profile Gmail and WhatsApp users across the Middle East
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/how-a-hacking-campaign-targeted-high-profile-gmail-and-whatsapp-users-across-the-middle-east/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/how-a-hacking-campaign-targeted-high-profile-gmail-and-whatsapp-users-across-the-middle-east/
TechCrunch
How a hacking campaign targeted high-profile Gmail and WhatsApp users across the Middle East | TechCrunch
The phishing campaign targeted users on WhatsApp, including an Iranian-British activist, and stole the credentials of a Lebanese cabinet minister and at least one journalist.
The AI healthcare gold rush is here
https://techcrunch.com/video/the-ai-healthcare-gold-rush-is-here/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/video/the-ai-healthcare-gold-rush-is-here/
TechCrunch
The AI healthcare gold rush is here | TechCrunch
Watch as Equity podcast hosts dig into why the AI world is suddenly obsessed with healthcare, what other products can expect an AI-makeover, and more.
Trump administration wants tech companies to buy $15B of power plants they may not use
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/trump-administration-wants-tech-companies-to-buy-15b-of-power-plants-they-may-not-use/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/trump-administration-wants-tech-companies-to-buy-15b-of-power-plants-they-may-not-use/
TechCrunch
Trump administration wants tech companies to buy $15B of power plants they may not use | TechCrunch
In an attempt to alleviate rising electricity prices, the White House wants grid operator PJM to hold an auction for new generating capacity, and it wants tech companies to bid.
ChatGPT users are about to get hit with targeted ads
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/chatgpt-users-are-about-to-get-hit-with-targeted-ads/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/chatgpt-users-are-about-to-get-hit-with-targeted-ads/
TechCrunch
ChatGPT users are about to get hit with targeted ads | TechCrunch
OpenAI says that users impacted by the ads will have some control over what they see.
Supreme Court hacker posted stolen government data on Instagram
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/supreme-court-hacker-posted-stolen-government-data-on-instagram/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/supreme-court-hacker-posted-stolen-government-data-on-instagram/
TechCrunch
Supreme Court hacker posted stolen government data on Instagram | TechCrunch
Nicholas Moore pleaded guilty to stealing victims’ information from the Supreme Court and other federal government agencies, and then posting it on his Instagram @ihackthegovernment.
From OpenAI’s offices to a deal with Eli Lilly — how Chai Discovery became one of the flashiest names in AI drug development
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/from-openais-offices-to-a-deal-with-eli-lilly-how-chai-discovery-became-one-of-the-flashiest-names-in-ai-drug-development/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/from-openais-offices-to-a-deal-with-eli-lilly-how-chai-discovery-became-one-of-the-flashiest-names-in-ai-drug-development/
TechCrunch
From OpenAI’s offices to a deal with Eli Lilly — how Chai Discovery became one of the flashiest names in AI drug development |…
The startup has partnered with Eli Lilly and enjoys the backing of some of Silicon Valley's most influential VCs.
EPA rules that xAI’s natural gas generators were illegally used
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/epa-rules-that-xais-natural-gas-generators-were-illegally-used/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/epa-rules-that-xais-natural-gas-generators-were-illegally-used/
TechCrunch
EPA rules that xAI’s natural gas generators were illegally used | TechCrunch
Elon Musk's AI company had installed and operated 35 natural gas turbines without permits, something the EPA now says was illegal.
TikTok quietly launches a micro drama app called ‘PineDrama’
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/tiktok-quietly-launches-a-micro-drama-app-called-pinedrama/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/tiktok-quietly-launches-a-micro-drama-app-called-pinedrama/
TechCrunch
TikTok quietly launches a microdrama app called 'PineDrama' | TechCrunch
Think TikTok, but every single video you come across is a short episode of a fictional story.
Snowflake, Databricks challenger ClickHouse hits $15B valuation
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/snowflake-databricks-challenger-clickhouse-hits-15b-valuation/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/snowflake-databricks-challenger-clickhouse-hits-15b-valuation/
TechCrunch
Snowflake, Databricks challenger ClickHouse hits $15B valuation | TechCrunch
The $400 million round was led by Dragoneer.
California AG sends Musk’s xAI a cease-and-desist order over sexual deepfakes
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/california-ag-sends-musks-xai-a-cease-and-desist-order-over-sexual-deepfakes/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/california-ag-sends-musks-xai-a-cease-and-desist-order-over-sexual-deepfakes/
TechCrunch
California AG sends Musk's xAI a cease-and-desist order over sexual deepfakes | TechCrunch
The flood of AI-generated sexual imagery has spurred concern from state and congressional officials alike.