Apple’s new ID checks dubbed as ‘ransomware’ as UK rollout begins March 26, 2026 Apple is rolling out mandatory age verification checks for iPhone and iPad users in the UK, prompting criticism from privacy campaigners who have likened the move to ‘ransomware’. The changes introduced by the latest iOS update will require users to confirm they are over 18 to access certain apps and services. Those who do not [...]
OpenAI sharpens its focus as Sora falls and funding web tightens March 25, 2026 OpenAI’s decision to shut down its Sora video tool and unwind its Disney partnership in the space of 24 hours is far from an isolated product call. It comes at a moment of rapid growth for the firm, which is handling heavy infrastructure demands alongside increasing scrutiny over how the AI boom it sits at [...]
BBC appoints former Google executive as director general March 25, 2026 Former Google executive Matt Brittin has been confirmed as the BBC’s next director general, taking over from Tim Davie at a pivotal moment for the broadcaster. Brittin spent nearly two decades at Google, most recently serving as president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa before stepping down in 2025. He will now lead the [...]
Blackrock boss Larry Fink says AI will boost trade jobs March 25, 2026 Society needs to rethink its view of careers as AI reshapes the job market, Blackrock chief Larry Fink has said, warning that skilled trades like plumbing and electrical work will become more valuable while some office roles decline. In an interview with the BBC, the asset manager boss claimed the US had “overdid” its push [...]
Arm moves into chips as boss says firm will deliver silicon March 25, 2026 Arm boss Rene Haas said the company will begin delivering its own chips as it unveiled its first in-house processor, marking a major shift for the UK tech firm. “With today’s announcement, we’re expanding the Arm compute platform to include delivery of production silicon with our Arm AGI CPU,” Haas said. The Cambridge-based company revealed [...]
OpenAI shuts Sora and drops Disney deal in AI reset March 25, 2026 OpenAI has shut down Sora, its AI video app, less than two years after the tool made headlines for turning short text prompts into strikingly realistic video clips. The company is also winding down its content partnership with Disney, bringing an abrupt end to one of the most closely watched tie-ups between Hollywood and a [...]
UK trials teen social media bans ahead of potential crackdown March 25, 2026 Hundreds of teenagers across the UK are set to take part in a government-backed trial of social media restrictions, as ministers weigh whether to introduce a nationwide ban for under-16s. The six-week pilot will see 300 teenagers aged between 13 and 17 split into four groups, testing different levels of access to apps such as [...]
HMRC rejects nearly half of digital tax exemptions March 24, 2026 HMRC has rejected almost half of applications from taxpayers seeking exemption from Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. Figures obtained via a Freedom of Information (FoI) request by Saffery show that as of February 2026 more than 1,600 people had applied for exemption on the grounds of “digital exclusion”. Of those, 855 applications were [...]
Mike Lynch estate blocked from appealing HPE damages ruling March 24, 2026 The estate of the late British tech tycoon Mike Lynch has been refused permission to appeal a High Court ruling that found him liable to pay damages to Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) over its acquisition of Autonomy. Lawyers acting for Lynch’s estate had sought to challenge the 2022 judgment, which held Lynch and Autonomy’s former [...]
Tesla jumps on Musk’s $20bn AI chip push March 24, 2026 Tesla shares climbed around 3.5 per cent on Monday after Elon Musk unveiled plans for Terafab, a huge semiconductor manufacturing project aimed at securing chip supply for the company’s next phase of growth. The stock rose to about $381 as investors responded positively to the announcement, as the firm looks beyond electric vehicles into AI [...]
