August 15, 2026

TechCrunch Top 3

This 'adversarial' pattern can prevent surveillance cameras from detecting you: A security researcher has designed an algorithm that can create computer-generated patterns capable of hiding people, faces, and vehicles from detection by surveillance cameras. Read More

Anthropic says it will watermark text generated by its AI models: Anthropic will extend support for watermarking AI generations for older models as well. Read More

Delta investigating after someone set up fake Wi-Fi network mid-flight: The Delta flight crew switched off the aircraft's legitimate Wi-Fi network for around 30 minutes due to the incident, according to a spokesperson. Read More

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This Week's Must-Reads

If Apple sends you a push notification alerting you to a spyware attack, take it seriously: Apple now sends out push notifications to iPhone lock screens when the company identifies government spyware targeting someone's devices. Read More

Apple proposes to take a 15% cut of purchases made outside the App Store: Apple is asking a federal judge to allow it to charge commissions of up to 15% on purchases made through external links in iOS apps. Read More

Some Claude users are mad that Anthropic's new watermarks will catch them using it at their jobs, classes: Is Anthropic's new watermarking system a travesty? Some have taken to social media to complain that it is. Read More

Instagram introduces a redesigned wordmark: The social media giant says it was time for a sharper and more modern look after a decade. Read More

After Microsoft threatened legal action, a security researcher publishes a new Windows zero-day bug: This is the latest zero-day released by security researcher Nightmare Eclipse, despite Microsoft publicly threatening to take legal action against them. Read More

Disrupt 2026: Where deals and ideas ignite

Oct 13–15 at San Francisco's Moscone West, 10,000 founders, investors, and operators gather for high-signal insights, curated connections, and real momentum.

Last but Not Least

Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni reportedly knew Phia was 'cookie stuffing' for months: Phia, the shopping startup co-founded by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, is once again under fire for its alleged business practices. Read More

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