TikTok now lets users send voice notes and images in DMs
The new capabilities bring TikTok’s messaging experience more in line with that of other popular social apps and services.
Tesla challenges $243 million verdict in Autopilot death trial
The company’s lawyers blame the driver (who settled with the victims separately) for the crash, and the plaintiffs’ lawyers for “overwhelming” the jury with “irrelevant evidence.”
WhatsApp fixes ‘zero-click’ bug used to hack Apple users with spyware
A spyware vendor was behind a recent campaign that abused a vulnerability in WhatsApp to deliver an exploit capable of hacking into iPhones and Macs.
Uber and Lyft drivers in California win a path to unionization
The agreement creates a model for drivers to be able to organize for increased pay, job protections, and other benefits. In exchange, California regulators say they’ll support legislation to reduce expensive
Meta updates chatbot rules to avoid inappropriate topics with teen users
After a bombshell report on Meta allowing its AI chatbots to have sensual chats with minors, the company is updating its policies.
Mastodon says it doesn’t ‘have the means’ to comply with age verification laws
Decentralized social network Mastodon says it cannot comply with age verification laws, like in Mississippi and elsewhere, and says it’s up to individual server owners to decide.
Henrik Fisker quietly wound down his nonprofit after his EV startup went bankrupt
Henrik Fisker, the founder of failed EV startup Fisker Inc., and his wife Geeta quietly wound down a private charitable foundation established in late 2021 that was supposed to “incubate innovation in healthcare,
Microsoft and Uber alum raises $3M for YC-backed Munify, a neobank for the Egyptian diaspora
Khalid Ashmawy found it hard to send money home while studying in Europe. Now, he’s launched a startup to help other Egyptians with the same problem.
Host an event beyond the main event: Apply to host a Side Event at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Apply to host a Side Event during TechCrunch Disrupt week (October 25–31) and amplify your brand. Apply before the deadline.
Americans are expected to spend $30 billion betting on the upcoming NFL season
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has estimated that Americans will spend a collective $30 billion on NFL bets in the 2025 season. Data from the AGA estimates that Americans will wager $30 billion on the