A data breach at the Tea app, which is used for sharing information about online dating matches, exposed users' sensitive personal data. The breach affected users who signed up before February 2024 and led to legal action against the company.
Key Facts
The Tea app focuses on sharing information about online dating matches.
In July 2025, a data breach leaked users' sensitive data, like government IDs and direct messages.
Users' data was accessed and spread on forums like 4chan.
The breach affected users who registered before February 2024.
The app has over 6.2 million female users.
Two class action lawsuits have been filed in California because of the breach.
Whisper networks, like Tea, are online platforms where women share information about safety in dating.
Chinese hackers are increasingly targeting sensitive U.S. systems, including federal agencies and infrastructure, by gaining long-term access. They aim to maintain this access for potential disruptive activities. Several China-based hacker groups have been linked to numerous cyberattacks over recent years, growing more sophisticated in their methods.
Key Facts
Chinese hackers aim to maintain long-term access to U.S. systems, targeting areas like federal agencies and water utilities.
At least three China-based hacking groups exploited SharePoint server weaknesses, compromising more than 400 systems.
Hackers stole machine keys, allowing them to regain access even after system patches unless manual actions are taken.
More than 330 cyberattacks linked to China were reported last year, as per CrowdStrike.
The Volt Typhoon group targets U.S. infrastructure like pipelines and railways to prepare for potential disruptive actions.
Silk Typhoon has targeting links to the U.S. Treasury Department using zero-day vulnerabilities.
China is using private contractors to enhance capabilities and obscure state involvement.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has reduced its workforce, affecting cyber defense capabilities.
A new dating app skips pre-date chatting and connects users straight to their dates. This app aims to reduce online dating fatigue by shortening the talking stage before meetings. The article explores how dating apps are evolving to address user dissatisfaction and burnout.
Key Facts
The app allows users to match online but stops them from chatting until a few hours before their date.
The writer previously used dating apps like Hinge, Tinder, and Bumble.
Online dating gained popularity during Covid lockdowns.
Many people experience online dating burnout due to repetitive profiles and behaviors.
New apps and features, like Tinder's double date and Hinge's premium services, aim to meet user interests.
A survey showed that almost 10% of UK adults met their partner through a dating app.
Studies show dissatisfaction with online dating: women receive too many matches, whereas men often struggle and pay for features.
The article discusses a new research paper that looks at the potential impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), including the possibility of AI posing a danger to humanity. This episode is part of a series called "Tech Now," which examines different technological developments.
Key Facts
The article highlights a research paper about the future impacts of artificial intelligence.
The research considers whether AI could become a threat to human existence.
The discussion is part of a series called "Tech Now."
The series covers various technology topics, including AI and esports.
"Tech Now" episodes explore technological innovations and their effects on different areas like gaming and sustainability.
A Florida jury decided that Tesla was partly responsible for a 2019 crash where a self-driving Model S killed a pedestrian and injured another. The jury awarded $329 million in damages, with Tesla responsible for paying a significant portion. Tesla plans to appeal the verdict.
Key Facts
The crash took place in 2019 in the Florida Keys, involving a Tesla Model S using Autopilot.
The incident resulted in the death of Naibel Benavides Leon and severe injuries to her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo.
The court found Tesla partly liable, awarding $329 million in total damages, with Tesla required to pay one-third of the compensatory damages and all punitive damages.
Tesla argues the driver, George McGee, was at fault, saying he was speeding and not looking at the road.
Tesla plans to appeal the decision, claiming the verdict undermines automotive safety.
The verdict is significant as it marks the first jury decision in an Autopilot case involving Tesla.
SpaceX and NASA successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission aims to send a three-man, one-woman crew to the International Space Station (ISS) after a weather-related delay.
Key Facts
SpaceX and NASA launched a Falcon 9 rocket to the ISS.
The launch occurred one day later than planned due to weather.
The rocket took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The crew heading to the ISS consists of three men and one woman.
The mission is part of ongoing space exploration efforts.
The International Space Station serves as a space research facility.
Four astronauts, previously delayed due to issues with Boeing's Starliner, launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX capsule. This crew, consisting of members from the U.S., Japan, and Russia, will stay at the ISS for at least six months. NASA is adapting its plans for longer missions and fewer crew members due to budget constraints and Starliner's continued problems.
Key Facts
Four astronauts launched to the ISS using a SpaceX capsule after delays due to Boeing's Starliner issues.
The crew includes astronauts from the U.S., Japan, and Russia.
The SpaceX capsule will remain at the ISS for at least six months.
NASA is considering extending space station missions from six to eight months to save money.
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft faced thruster failures and helium leaks, delaying further crewed missions until at least 2026.
NASA and Russia plan to cooperate on steering the aging ISS into the Pacific by 2030.
SpaceX's final mission for NASA will involve returning the deorbit vehicle to the space station by 2029.
New forensic cameras are being used in Ohio hospitals to assist in the examination of sexual assault survivors. These cameras are intended to make collecting evidence more straightforward and effective.
Key Facts
Hospitals in Ohio are using new forensic cameras in emergency rooms.
The cameras aim to help medical personnel conduct exams more easily.
These exams are important for gathering evidence in sexual assault cases.
The new technology could improve the accuracy of the examinations.
The goal is to make the process more conclusive and less difficult for survivors.
Artificial intelligence is now being used in healthcare to help diagnose diseases and support mental health. There are questions about trust, responsibility, and the future impact of AI in healthcare.
Key Facts
AI helps diagnose rare diseases and supports people with anxiety and depression.
Traditional roles of healthcare professionals are being supplemented by AI.
There are trust issues concerning AI in critical healthcare decisions.
Accountability for mistakes made by AI in healthcare is a concern.
Experts involved in the discussion include a psychologist, an ICU doctor, and a technologist.
The integration of AI in healthcare is causing changes and could reshape the industry.
An international crew launched on SpaceX's Crew-11 mission from Florida to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew includes astronauts from NASA, Japan's space agency, and Russia. They will live and work on the ISS for about six months, conducting scientific experiments.
Key Facts
SpaceX launched Crew-11 to the ISS on a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
The mission includes NASA's Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan's Kimiya Yui, and Russia's Oleg Platonov.
The crew will conduct experiments on plant cell division and the effects of microgravity on viruses.
Another experiment focuses on producing a high volume of human stem cells.
Crew-11 marks SpaceX's 12th mission with NASA astronauts to the ISS under the Commercial Crew Program.
The ISS has had people living on it continuously since October 31, 2000.
Zena Cardman is making her first trip to space as the mission commander.
The ISS is expected to be retired by the end of the decade.
Category: technology
The article discusses how people are using artificial intelligence (AI) at work. It covers both positive and negative aspects of AI in the workplace.
Key Facts
The article explores how AI is a popular topic among employers and workers.
Listeners provided input on their experiences with AI at work.
The discussion includes both benefits and challenges of using AI.
NPR produces "The Indicator from Planet Money," which is the source of this episode.
The article provides different ways to access the content, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.
Large tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta are starting to see significant income from their investments in artificial intelligence (AI), but they are reinvesting heavily into AI infrastructure to support further growth. While companies like Microsoft and Google report strong financial results, others like Amazon face mixed reactions from investors due to high expectations around AI. Overall, tech giants are boosting their spending on technology to support AI advancements.
Key Facts
Tech companies are earning considerable revenue from AI but are reinvesting in data centers.
Microsoft and Google attribute their strong financial results to AI performance.
Amazon's outlook affected its stock prices despite its Web Services generating $31 billion quarterly.
Meta's detailed AI strategy led to a positive response from investors.
OpenAI is growing fast, reportedly making about $1 billion in revenue each month.
Big tech firms invested $245 billion in AI infrastructure last year, expecting to increase that to $320 billion this year.
Nvidia became the first company to reach a $4 trillion market capitalization due to demand from AI investments.
Microsoft plans to spend $100 billion next year on capital expenses, mainly for AI development.
People in Australia spotted what they believed to be UFOs in the sky, but experts identified the sightings as a Chinese rocket. The rocket, known as Long March 8A, launched from Hainan to send satellites into space.
Key Facts
Many Australians reported seeing what they thought were UFOs on July 30.
The sightings occurred in the skies over Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Experts confirmed the object was a Chinese rocket, not a UFO.
The rocket was a Long March 8A model.
It was launched from Hainan, China.
The rocket's purpose was to deploy satellites for China's state-owned internet network.
The Songs of Love Foundation creates personalized songs for children with serious illnesses and is now using AI to reach older adults with memory loss. They are collaborating with the AI music platform Suno to help produce music from past eras. This use of AI helps the nonprofit expand its ability to create songs using fewer resources.
Key Facts
Songs of Love Foundation has created over 46,000 personalized songs for children with severe illnesses.
They use music for its comforting and inclusive effects but are not a licensed music therapy organization.
The foundation is expanding its focus to include older adults with memory loss, such as those with Alzheimer's.
The founder, John Beltzer, is personally invested due to his mother's experience with Alzheimer's.
To authentically create music from older eras like big band and swing, they partnered with the AI platform Suno.
Suno provides free access to AI tools that help transform rough recordings into fully produced tracks.
The foundation is open to new technologies, accepting cryptocurrency donations and using AI for creating music.
Delta Air Lines plans to use more artificial intelligence (AI) in setting ticket prices. Some lawmakers are worried about whether this will be fair for all passengers.
Key Facts
Delta Air Lines is increasing its use of AI to determine ticket prices.
AI can make prices vary, leading to possible changes in how much people pay.
Lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding the fairness of using AI in ticket pricing.
The technology could make some tickets cheaper while making others more expensive.
The effect of AI on ticket pricing is a topic of current discussion among lawmakers.
NPR's All Songs Considered podcast reviewed several new music albums released on August 1, 2025. The episode featured albums from artists like The Armed, Emily Hines, and Mal Devisa. The podcast is available on multiple platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Key Facts
NPR's All Songs Considered podcast featured new album releases for August 1, 2025.
The album by Detroit punk band The Armed is titled "THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED."
Other featured albums include Emily Hines' "New Days" and Mal Devisa's "Palimpsesa."
The podcast hosts Stephen Thompson and Liz Warner discussed these and other new albums.
Listeners can tune into the podcast on platforms like the NPR App, Spotify, and Apple Music.
The episode also briefly mentioned five more albums that were not fully discussed on the show.
Some social media companies are blocking certain posts about the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza due to the UK's new Online Safety Act. This law, aimed at protecting children from harmful content, requires sites to verify users' ages, which has led to restrictions on various public interest posts. Experts worry that these restrictions could limit important public discussions.
Key Facts
The UK's new Online Safety Act requires social media platforms to block harmful content and verify user ages.
Non-compliance can result in fines up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue.
Posts about Ukrainian and Gazan conflicts have been blocked on sites like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit.
Age verification is causing access restrictions to non-harmful public interest content.
Experts are concerned these restrictions might suppress important public debates.
Some specific posts, like parliamentary debates and a classic painting image, have been mistakenly restricted.
Platforms like Reddit now require age verification for certain discussion groups.
The act aims to protect under-18s from content like pornography and posts encouraging self-harm.
A US company, InventWood, has created Superwood, a modified wood claimed to be stronger than steel and "bulletproof." The wood is treated to remove imperfections and compressed to make it stronger, potentially useful for construction and military applications. Superwood is part of a trend toward using engineered wood as a sustainable construction material that can store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Facts
InventWood is a US-based company creating strong, modified wood called Superwood.
Superwood is claimed to be stronger than steel, based on lab tests where it resisted a projectile.
The wood is chemically treated to remove lignin and compressed to enhance strength.
InventWood is initially using poplar and plans to use bamboo for making Superwood.
Engineered wood like Superwood may help reduce the construction sector's carbon footprint.
Superwood can serve as a robust and aesthetically pleasing exterior cladding.
The production process for Superwood has been refined to take just a few hours.
InventWood claims this wood can contribute positively to climate change efforts by storing carbon.
Microsoft has accused a Russian cyber-espionage unit, reportedly part of the FSB, of using malware against embassies in Moscow. The malware campaign allegedly targets organizations using local internet services to infiltrate systems and steal data.
Key Facts
Microsoft accuses the Russian FSB of deploying malware.
The malware targets embassies and diplomatic organizations in Moscow.
The campaign has reportedly been ongoing since at least 2024.
The operation uses local internet service providers to access targets.
Malware allows creating backdoors for further data theft.
Microsoft calls the hacking group "Secret Blizzard," also known as "Turla."
Russia has denied conducting cyber-espionage activities.
The US and Russian diplomats have not commented on Microsoft's report.
Microsoft has become the second company to surpass a market value of $4 trillion, following Nvidia. The company reported strong growth due to high demand for artificial intelligence and cloud services, with significant investment in these areas. Despite layoffs, Microsoft's revenue and cloud business continue to grow.
Key Facts
Microsoft surpassed $4 trillion in market value, following Nvidia.
The company's stock increased by 4.6% on Thursday.
Microsoft plans to spend $30 billion in capital expenses for AI.
The Azure cloud business reported strong sales growth.
Microsoft's revenue was over $76.4 billion.
Microsoft invested heavily in OpenAI, enhancing its AI capabilities.
The company laid off 9,000 employees, or 4% of its workforce, while expanding its AI focus.
