Age Verification Is Reaching a Global Tipping Point. Is TikTok’s Strategy a Good Compromise? | WIRED

This article discusses TikTok's new age-detection system, which aims to prevent underage users from accessing the platform. While TikTok's strategy avoids automatic bans, experts argue that it still requires extensive surveillance of users, raising privacy concerns. The article also explores the broader implications of age verification on social media platforms and the potential for misuse of collected data.

CBP Wants AI-Powered ‘Quantum Sensors’ for Finding Fentanyl in Cars | WIRED

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is collaborating with General Dynamics to develop prototype 'quantum sensors' integrated with an AI database, aimed at detecting fentanyl and other narcotics in vehicles. The $2.4 million project seeks to enhance CBP's detection capabilities and reduce the harm caused by illicit contraband entering the U.S., thereby bolstering national security.

149 Million Usernames and Passwords Exposed by Unsecured Database | WIRED

A researcher discovered an unsecured database containing 149 million usernames and passwords, including millions for Gmail, Facebook, and Binance. The database, suspected to be collected using infostealing malware, was accessible to anyone via a web browser. The hosting provider removed the database after being notified by the researcher.

CEO of Palantir Says AI Means You’ll Have to Work With Your Hands Like a Peasant

Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Palantir CEO Alex Karp predicts that the future of work will be dominated by vocational and manufacturing jobs, as AI will render many intellectual labor jobs obsolete.

Economist Says The World Is Preparing To Pull The Rug On The U.S. Dollar. Americans Aren’t Ready For What That Means For Prices And Interest Rates

This article discusses the potential decline of the U.S. dollar's dominance in global finance due to recent geopolitical events and the search for alternative currencies and assets. Economists warn that this shift could lead to higher interest rates and inflation, impacting everyday Americans' finances.

Cuban Detainee in El Paso ICE Facility Died by Homicide, Autopsy Shows

CES Gave Us a Glimpse of the Future. Watch for These Tech Trends in 2026 | PCMag

CES 2026 showcased several emerging tech trends, including 'physical AI' devices, Ultra-Vivid RGB LED TVs, Wi-Fi 8 technology, advanced laptop chips, foldable phones, and practical smart home devices.

Tesla's Infotainment System Quickly Hacked at Security Conference | PCMag

Researchers at the Pwn2Own Automotive 2026 conference in Tokyo successfully hacked a Tesla's infotainment system, earning $35,000 in rewards. The event, which has seen over $500,000 in prizes awarded in the first 24 hours, highlights vulnerabilities in vehicle digital security. The Synacktiv Team's USB-based attack on the Tesla is one of several successful exploits, including those on Sony's XAV-9500ES receiver and various EV chargers.

Apple will ship millions of $2,000 foldable iPhones this year: Citi

Citi analyst Atif Malik predicts Apple will launch a foldable iPhone later this year, with shipments expected to reach 8 million units in 2026 and 20 million units in 2027. The device is expected to debut at Apple's annual fall launch alongside iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max models, with a premium price of around $2,000.

Immigration officers assert sweeping power to enter homes without a judge's warrant, memo says - KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo reveals that immigration officers can now forcibly enter homes to make arrests without a judicial warrant, raising concerns about constitutional protections against illegal searches. This change reverses previous guidance and could face legal challenges and criticism from advocacy groups. The memo states that administrative warrants are sufficient for forced entry if there’s a final order of removal.

House panel votes to hold Clintons in contempt in Jeffrey Epstein probe | CNN Politics

The House Oversight Committee has voted to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena to testify in the congressional Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The Republican-controlled committee's bipartisan vote sends the effort to the full House for a vote. The Clintons have refused to testify despite being subpoenaed, and the committee rejected their last-minute offer for a limited interview. The contempt vote could have legal consequences if the House votes and the courts or the Justice Department decide to take up the matter.

Your earphones may be spying on you through this new Bluetooth attack: How to stay safe

A new Bluetooth vulnerability, known as WhisperPair, allows attackers within 50 meters to take control of wireless earphones and speakers, potentially leading to spying and tracking. This risk affects popular brands and can impact both Android and iPhone users. To stay safe, users should disable Bluetooth when not in use, update their devices, and avoid using public Bluetooth devices.

One year in, Big Tech has out-maneuvered MAGA populists | The Verge

This article from The Verge reflects on how tech CEOs have managed to navigate and influence the Trump administration over the past year, despite initial MAGA populist efforts to regulate Big Tech.

Anthropic’s new Claude ‘constitution’: be helpful and honest, and don’t destroy humanity | The Verge

Anthropic has released a new 57-page 'constitution' for its AI model, Claude, which outlines the model's ethical character and core identity, including how it should balance conflicting values and handle high-stakes situations. The document emphasizes the importance of AI models understanding why they should behave in certain ways, and includes hard constraints on behaviors that could cause mass casualties or damage critical infrastructure. The constitution also introduces the possibility of AI consciousness or moral status, and lists core values such as being broadly safe, ethical, compliant, and genuinely helpful.

There's a right way to wipe your Windows PC before getting rid of it - here's how I do it | ZDNET

This ZDNET article provides a comprehensive guide on how to properly wipe and reset a Windows PC before passing it on to someone else. It outlines three main steps: migrating apps and files to the new device, using encryption tools to securely wipe old data, and preparing the old PC for a new owner by resetting, reimaging, or performing a clean install of Windows 11.

Doge improperly shared sensitive social security data, DoJ court filing reveals | Trump administration | The Guardian

The Trump administration has admitted in a federal court filing that employees working for Elon Musk’s cost-cutting operation accessed and improperly shared Americans’ sensitive social security data. The Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) signed a secret data-sharing agreement with an unidentified political advocacy group, aiming to find evidence of voter fraud and overturn election results. The Social Security Administration (SSA) had no prior knowledge of the agreement and discovered it during an unrelated review. The SSA has referred two potential violations of the Hatch Act to the Office of Special Counsel for investigation. Doge members shared data using Cloudflare, an unauthorized third-party server, and it remains unclear what information was transmitted or if it still exists on the server.

Elon Musk Closes In On $800 Billion Net Worth After XAI’s Latest Funding Round

Elon Musk's net worth has increased to $780 billion following a significant funding round for his AI and social media company, xAI, which was valued at $250 billion. Private investors contributed $20 billion to xAI, boosting Musk's 49% stake by $62 billion to $122 billion. This surge in value places Musk on the brink of becoming the first person to reach an $800 billion net worth.

Trump Drops Tariff Threat Over Greenland After Assailing Europe

AI voice-cloning scams: How to protect yourself from impersonators duping victims

This news article discusses the rise of AI voice-cloning scams, focusing on how scammers are using AI to mimic voices and impersonate individuals to defraud victims. Patty Greiner lost $15,000 after being impersonated by scammers posing as government officials. Experts warn that scammers are using AI to clone voices and images, leading to a surge in fraud. To combat these scams, experts advise verifying the legitimacy of calls and messages through official channels.

Hiring Season Is Scam Season: How Fake Recruiters Exploit Job Seekers with Trusted Brand Names

This blog post from Bitdefender explains how scammers exploit job seekers during hiring season by impersonating well-known employers and staffing companies. Scammers send fake recruitment emails promising easy jobs, fast interviews, and flexible work, often using trusted brand names. These emails include requests to confirm interviews, secure spots, or move conversations to messaging apps. Red flags include contacting without prior application, immediate profile approval, and using generic email addresses. To protect yourself, verify job openings directly on the company’s official careers website, check URLs carefully, and use tools like Bitdefender Scamio and Link Checker to assess suspicious emails and links.

Verizon outage triggered a phishing scam. Here’s how to spot it | The Independent

Following a Verizon outage affecting over 1.5 million customers, scammers have been sending phishing texts and emails to Verizon customers, claiming they can receive a $20 credit by providing personal information. The Jones County Sheriff’s Office warned residents to avoid clicking on such links, advising them to go directly to the Verizon app or official website if they are unsure about the legitimacy of a message.

Supreme Court appears wary of allowing Trump to fire Fed's Cook in closely watched case : NPR

The Supreme Court appeared skeptical of President Trump's attempt to fire Lisa Cook, a Fed governor, which experts say would undermine the central bank's independence. The case hinges on whether the president's decision to fire a Fed board member is reviewable by any court. The administration claims Cook falsified documents to obtain loans, which she denies. The court's decision is unclear, but it has previously allowed Trump to remove other agency leaders, though it has also noted the Fed's unique structure.

SCOTUStoday for Wednesday, January 21 - SCOTUSblog

The SCOTUSblog provides a detailed report on the Supreme Court's activities for Wednesday, January 21. The court will hear arguments in a significant case regarding President Donald Trump's firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Additionally, the court released opinions on three cases, including Berk v. Choy, Ellingburg v. United States, and Coney Island Auto Parts Unlimited, Inc. v. Burton. The blog also covers recent Supreme Court decisions, upcoming oral arguments, and notable legal developments.

New U.S. State Privacy, Social Media and AI Laws Take Effect in January 2026

New U.S. state laws on privacy, social media, and AI have taken effect in January 2026, impacting how businesses and individuals must protect data and interact online.

The Week in Breach News: January 21, 2026 | Kaseya

This blog post from Kaseya discusses recent cybersecurity breaches, including the lack of MFA exposing over 50 multinational companies, a phishing attack on CIRO affecting 750k individuals, and a healthcare breach compromising 145k patients. It highlights the importance of multifactor authentication and continuous monitoring to prevent data breaches.

Two Unique DHS Cyber Incidents Exposed 1M People’s Data | Security Magazine

Two separate states' Department of Human Services (DHS) experienced data security incidents within two weeks of each other in 2026, affecting approximately 1 million people. The Illinois DHS incident, discovered in September 2025, exposed maps due to incorrect privacy settings, potentially impacting 700,000 residents. The Minnesota DHS incident, discovered in November 2025, involved unauthorized access to the MnCHOICES system by a user affiliated with a licensed health care provider, affecting 303,965 individuals. Exposed data included personally identifiable information (PII) such as names, addresses, and social security numbers, which could leave individuals vulnerable to phishing schemes and other cybercrimes.

Palmer Luckey on the Pentagon’s future of mixed reality | MIT Technology Review

Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus, is now working with Anduril on the Pentagon’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), a mixed-reality headset for the military. Despite initial setbacks and high costs, Luckey remains optimistic about the project’s potential to revolutionize battlefield technology. The IVAS program aims to create a headset that can help soldiers rapidly identify threats and take decisive action using AI-powered systems. However, the project has faced criticism for delays, high costs, and issues with the initial versions of the goggles. Despite these challenges, Luckey believes that the military will be the primary testing ground for mixed-reality hardware, with potential benefits for the commercial market in the future.

Palmer Luckey on the Pentagon’s future of mixed reality | MIT Technology Review

Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus, is now working with Anduril on the Pentagon’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), a mixed-reality headset for the military. Despite initial setbacks and high costs, Luckey remains optimistic about the project’s potential to revolutionize battlefield technology. The IVAS program aims to create a headset that can help soldiers rapidly identify threats and take decisive action using AI-powered systems. However, the project has faced criticism for delays, high costs, and issues with the initial versions of the goggles. Despite these challenges, Luckey believes that the military will be the primary testing ground for mixed-reality hardware, with potential benefits for the commercial market in the future.

Lunar Radio Telescope to Unlock Cosmic Mysteries - IEEE Spectrum

This article from IEEE Spectrum discusses the upcoming launch of LuSEE-Night, a lunar radio telescope on the Blue Ghost 2 lander, which aims to detect faint signals from the early universe. The moon’s far side is ideal for radio astronomy due to its isolation from Earth’s interference and solar wind. LuSEE-Night will observe things invisible from Earth, potentially helping unravel mysteries like dark matter, dark energy, neutron stars, and gravitational waves.