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  • FieldAI raises 5M to build universal robot brains

    FieldAI raises $405M to build universal robot brains

    FieldAI, an Irvine, California-based robotics startup, has raised $405 million across multiple previously undisclosed rounds to develop what it calls “foundational embodied AI models” — essentially robot brains designed to help everything from humanoids to quadrupeds to self-driving cars adapt to new environments.

    The company announced the funding Wednesday; the most recent round raised $314 million in August and was co-led by Bezos Expeditions, Prysm, and Temasek. FieldAI’s other backers include Khosla Ventures, Intel Capital, and Canaan Partners, among others.

    Unlike traditional AI that processes text or images, embodied AI refers to AI that controls physical robots moving through real-world environments. FieldAI builds “Field Foundation Models,” which are general-purpose embodied AI models rooted in physics. This approach gives robots the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new environments while being conscious of risk, FieldAI founder and CEO Ali Agha told TechCrunch in an interview.

    “The mission is to build a single robot brain that can generalize across different robot types and a diverse set of environments,” Agha said. “To get there, you need to manage risk and safety as you go to these new environments. And that has been a fundamental gap in robotics, that traditional models and traditional approaches were never designed to manage that risk and safety.”

    Agha said the key to getting robots to be able to safely learn in new environments is to add a layer of physics into these AI models. This addition gives robots a second set of information to pull from to make decisions — especially in a new environment — as opposed to just reacting to whatever a model says to do next as traditional LLMs do.

    He added that while a small amount of AI hallucination isn’t detrimental in certain circumstances, it can be for robots working in dangerous environments or alongside people.

    “Suddenly you start to have that sense of, how much I know, and if I don’t know something, or if I’m making a decision, how confident I am in it,” Agha said. “Once [the] network starts getting access to that, it starts making much safer decisions. Not just this spits out that, ‘Hey, here’s the next sort of an action,’ but it tells you how confident it is, and you as a customer can define this risk threshold, and [the] robot will be reactive to that.”

    Techcrunch event

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

    San Francisco
    |
    October 27-29, 2025

    REGISTER NOW

    Agha has been working on this idea for decades across various roles at places ranging from NASA to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He decided to launch FieldAI when he achieved a technological breakthrough that allowed one robot brain to work across different types of robots performing both the same and individual actions.

    Since launching the company in 2023, FieldAI has secured contracts across industries including construction, energy, and urban delivery. The company declined to disclose any customers by name.

    The funding will support research and development while helping the company ramp up production to deploy its models to its customers and to further expand its reach abroad.

    Agha compares FieldAI’s approach to human evolution. “You evolve to be able to do various different tasks in different environments, and you have the ability to rapidly learn, [and] we believe that is a necessity in robotics. Yes, definitely you can optimize for one specific use case, but that is not the market we are going after.”

    We’re always looking to evolve, and by providing some insight into your perspective and feedback into TechCrunch and our coverage and events, you can help us! Fill out this survey to let us know how we’re doing and get the chance to win a prize in return!

  • Hawaii Shaken: First Tsunami Waves Crash After Massive Earthquake

    Tsunami Alert in Hawaii: Keep Calm, Stay Safe, and Watch Out for Gigantic Wavy Beasts!

    What Went Down in Russia (and Why It Matters Here)

    A huge earthquake rattled the Far Eastern region of Russia, sending shock waves that erupted into a powerful tsunami. While the epicenter was far away, the waves traveled across the Pacific and landed on Hawaiian shores—making the islands an unlikely but very real hotspot for potential larger surges.

    The Governor’s Straight‑Up Message

    Governor David Ige let residents know that the current tsunami might not be the last wave flying over Oahu. “We’re watching the ocean closely,” he said. “If another wave comes, you’ll want to be ready—so stay safe and stay informed.”

    Key Take‑aways from the Message

    • Be prepared for more waves. Don’t assume the initial swell was the final act.
    • Stick to official updates. Check local news, the emergency app, or NOAA’s Live Ocean Alerts.
    • Keep calm, but not complacent. Listen to guidance and act quickly when needed.

    What Residents Can Do Now

    • Check your emergency kit. Pack water, non‑perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, and a first‑aid kit.
    • Know your evacuation route. Identify the nearest high ground and keep it clear for quick access.
    • Sign up for alerts. Enable SMS or push notifications from the State Emergency Management Office.
    • Have a family plan. Agree on a meeting spot and emergency contact list.

    Feelings & Humor – Surfing the Wave of News

    Imagine the ocean doing a wild dance routine, waving hello to all the islands. While the news is serious, we can’t help but add a little lightness: If the sea starts to throw a tantrum, remember it’s not personal—just a giant water show. So, grab your sunscreen and keep that beach hat handy—just in case the wave tries to steal your vibes!

    Bottom Line

    The governor’s advisory is a call to stay alert and be ready. Headlands may feel tranquil, but the Pacific keeps its surprising twists. Let’s keep our heads up, our hearts calm, and our emergency plans on point. And hey, if there’s a rogue wave that manages to turn the big surf into a street‑style dance floor, we’ll be ready to groove along… safely.

    Hawaii on High Alert: Tsunami Threat from a Far‑Away Russian Quake!

    What Just Happened?

    The Pacific heat‑island buzz is less about sunshine and more about 8.8‑magnitude shaking far offshore Russia that has left the Hawaiian waters eager for a splash.

    Waves that Weren’t Gonna Let the Island Sleep

    • Kahului, Maui: First crest hit at 1.74 m – that’s a lot of “hi‑huh!”
    • Hilo: A second crest reached 1.49 m, proving that the tide’s not just going to show its face.
    • Later on, the tide got a bit louder with a wave of 1.82 m rolling toward the shore.

    Gov. Josh Green’s Lone‑All‑Message

    “Don’t get into the wave game just yet,” said Governor Josh Green at a press briefing, warning that the water’s great “recess” might be the universe’s way of saying, “More’s coming.”
    He added, “That doesn’t happen for no reason…activity in the ocean.”

    Why You Should Stay Put (For Now)

    • More Waves Await – Initial waves were just the opening act. Subsequent waves can arrive up to several feet higher.
    • Follow‑Up is a Bummer – The “follow‑up” waves that roll into the next few hours can be the show‑stopper.
    • Stay in the Safe Zone – The Civil Defence Agency properly reminded that evacuations are still in effect until the official tsunami warning is lifted.

    Bottom Line: Stay Grounded, Stay Safe, Stay Sane

    While no major damage has been reported yet, the picture is still a work‑in‑progress. Keep your feet firmly on land, keep your phone charged, and be ready to heed the official word. After all, your local beach is beautiful — but waves aren’t to be taken lightly.

    Ewa Beach residents Carlo Salas and CJ Jasper, with their families, are evacuated at the side of Kunia Road to escape the tsunami threat Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii, July 2025.

    When the Ocean Decides to Be a Swing‑Set: A Tidal Wake‑Up Call

    Picture this: Carlo Salas and CJ Jasper, along with their families, snagged themselves on the side of Kunia Road in Kaupolei, Hawaii. They’re swapping swamps for a solid dose of safety because the tsunami is not messing around.

    Three Simple Rules to Outrun the Wave

    • Raise Your Flag: Get off the beach and climb up at least 30 metres above sea level. 30 metres sounds like a mountain ache but trust me, it’s barely a raise.
    • Stay Two Miles Away: If you’re not able to get to a vertical height, keep yourself at least two miles inland. The farther you’re from shore, the less the splash will bite.
    • Keep Your Air Travel Plans in Check: Flights in and out of Maui Airport have been put on hold. If you’re planning an escape, you might as well postpone your vacation itinerary.

    California’s Spider‑Web of Half‑Meter Waves

    According to the U.S. National Weather Service, California has noted additional waves “half a metre high.” That’s nearly a foot of water, a good size for a rogue wave offended by your lack of sunscreen.

    Tsunami Alerts Stretching from West to West

    Waves are on high alert from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon state line—so if you’re anywhere along that stretch, consider the sea’s a sly prankster.

    Root Cause: Earthshaking Seismic Drama in Russia’s Far East

    The tsunami triggers can be traced back to a mind‑blowing 8.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula this past Wednesday. Damage was recorded, evacuations rolled out, and the seismic shudder sent the water waving across the Pacific like a giant surfboard.

    Other Hit‑Spheres of Impact

    • Japan felt the shockwaves, and those folks may want to check their boat soap.
    • Alaska’s coastline got a gentle spray, making all the fishermen swear they’re lucky.
    • North, Central America, and the Pacific Islands? They’ve got a front‑row seat to this massive, watery show.

    Bottom line: If you’re near the beach, grab a bag, hop (literally!) on a higher hill or a sturdy, two‑mile hide‑spot, and let the ocean know you’re not splashing in its water because it’s that chaotic. Stay safe, folks.

  • Europe\’s M&A Market Thriving Against All Odds

    Geopolitical Ruckus Is Turning M&A Into a Tightrope Act

    When tensions flare on the global stage and trade agreements wobble like a house of cards, the merger and acquisition (M&A) landscape feels less like smooth sailing and more like a chaotic carnival ride.

    Why Executives Still Throw Their Hats Into the Ring

    • Bold Moves – Seasoned leaders aren’t letting the jitters stop them; they’re chasing opportunities with the same gusto as a street performer tackling a spinning wheel.
    • Strategic Flexibility – They’re reshuffling tactics on the fly, adapting to every new political twist and every trade clause that feels like a plot twist in a thriller novel.
    • High Stakes, High Rewards – Even with uncertainty looming, the payoff potential keeps the adrenaline pumping and the ambition alive.

    Takeaway

    In a world where geopolitics can pivot faster than a news ticker, the seasoned M&A sharks are steering through the chaos with a mix of nerves, nerves, and a dash of fearless optimism.

    Why the M&A Market Is Still a Rollercoaster

    After a dazzling comeback from the pandemic lull and a rough ride in 2023, 2024 seemed like the season of confidence for corporate movers and shakers – until the US trade wheel spun a wild twister.

    The Global Pulse

    “Even with stubborn macro forces – think looming recessions, geopolitical spill‑over, and fresh trade squalls – the worldwide M&A scene kept its swing in the first half of 2025,” notes Garrett Hinds, a senior research analyst at Pitchbook.

    Deals that hit the big stage: 24,793 transactions, totaling a staggering $2.0 trillion.

    That’s a 13.6 % jump from the previous year and a 16.2 % rise compared to the fold‑out period. The numbers are the kind of numbers that make investors do a double‑take on their spreadsheets.

    Europe’s Coming‑Out‑of‑Cave Performance

    • Deals in the first half of 2025 paved the way for a stellar scanner score across the continent.
    • Repeated this hand in the second half and Europe could hit its most active M&A year in over a decade.
    • Financial analysts predict a surge that’s as tasty as a summer buffet – all the right flavours and no sour notes.

    In short, the marketplace may skip the news cycle, but the excitement under the hood stays roaring. In a world where uncertainty can feel like a bureaucratic maze, these numbers remind us that the deal‑making engine is still very much in motion, revving toward fresh opportunities.

    The valuation gap

    Deal Munkles: The Valuation Gap Saga

    What Happened Last Year

    After a tough stretch where rates were climbing and the world was on a roller‑coaster of uncertainty, 2023 finally felt like a breath of fresh air for deal‑makers. Yet, even as the market steadied, a stubborn problem kept negotiations in gridlock: buyers and sellers just couldn’t agree on what a company was worth.

    Why Sellers Expect Big Bucks

    Lorenzo Corte, the globe‑topping deal guru at Skadden, reminds us that company owners who bought their target in the 2020 M&A boom expect a juicy return in 2025. “We’re still chasing the golden goose,” he joked, “and the market has kept shifting the nest!”
    But buyers? They’re less enthusiastic, which means most deals either stall or get wrapped in a maze of complicated mechanics to pad the value gap.

    The Earn‑Out – The Trickery Option

    • What it does: The buyer pays part of the price upfront, and the rest is earned later based on how the business performs.
    • Why it matters: It lets sellers keep a safety net while giving buyers a chance to sweeten the pot if the company does well.
    • The downside: The future gets messy—performance metrics, timelines, and “what if” clauses all need to be squashed into the contract.

    Modelling in a World of Chaos

    When rates were low, it was easy to predict a deal’s cost. Once the ball rolled into high‑rate territory, Nigel Wellings of Clifford Chance explained that folks “couldn’t even finish their spreadsheet homework.” He highlighted that buyers struggled to forecast debt costs over 3‑5 years, confusing the valuation puzzle even more.

    But there’s Hope

    Despite the lingering uncertainty, companies now have a clearer sense of where rates are headed. Easier inflation and lower interest rates make value gaps less painful, nudging more deals to actually close.

    In a Nutshell
    • Recovery in 2023 doesn’t mean perfect deals.
    • Earn‑outs are the common bridge over valuation chasms.
    • High rates create modelling headaches—though these are easing now.
    • Every deal is a bit of a juggling act, but the future looks calmer.
    Related

    A shifting business landscape

    Why CEOs Are Rethinking Their Playbooks in 2025

    The world’s moving fast—climate change, AI buzz, and geopolitics are reshaping the boardroom. CEOs are realizing their current business models may wobble in the next decade and are turning to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to keep pace.

    Big Picture: Green, AI & Global Shifts

    • Green transition – Companies are clamping down on carbon footprints or risk being left behind.
    • Artificial intelligence – AI isn’t just buzz; it’s a strategic lever for efficiency and innovation.
    • Geopolitical volatility – Trade wars, tariffs and sanctions prompt firms to adjust their regional footprints.

    What Experts Say

    Erik Hummitzsch, partner at PwC Germany, summed it up on Euronews: “If we ask CEOs, many admit their current models aren’t future‑proof. M&A becomes the tool for shedding outdated units or grabbing new capabilities.”

    In practice:

    • Sell off non‑core businesses that might choke later.
    • Acquire competitors or complementary firms to broaden portfolios.
    • Rebalance exposure—ditch hard‑to‑grow markets and double down elsewhere.

    Sector Outlook: Tight Margins & Consolidation

    Pitchbook analysts predict heavy consolidation where margins are razor‑thin. Two prime areas:

    • Automobiles & Chemicals – Cost pressures (think US tariffs) push companies to scale for survival.
    • Aerospace & Defence – Rising budgets make these sectors ripe targets for growth‑focused M&A.

    IT: Still the Lone Star

    From April to June, the IT sector was the only European area to report a 36.6% quarter‑on‑quarter jump in M&A activity—proof that digital infrastructure remains the hottest ticket in town.

    Is Europe still scared of scale?

    EU Deal‑Making: The Draghi Report, Some Peddling and a Record of Fails

    Last‑year buzz about Trump loosening regulatory walls in the U.S. hastened a sense of optimism, but the true spark in Europe came from the Draghi Report that landed in Brussels with more fanfare than a London brunch.

    The Report’s Mission & The Market’s Response

    • What it promised: A push for consolidation across European sectors so that local giants can stand toe‑to‑toe with the world’s big‑shots. Think of it as giving Europe a chance to compete in the “giants’ club.”
    • Skadden’s Lorenzo Corte’s take: “It’s all about scaling up to rival global players. Markets expect a surge of mergers, and while the early signs are there, it’s too soon to label it a trend.”

    EU Commission: The Defensive Gatekeeper

    The Commission often gets a bad rap for being the party‑pooper in deal‑making. A few high‑profile gates closed include:

    • Siemens Mobility vs. Alstom (rail) – too much track power in one hand.
    • Ryanair vs. Aer Lingus (air) – conflict of flight paths and price wars.
    • Mars & Kellanova – still hanging in the balance, awaiting official green lights.

    National Governments = Deal‑Bouncer

    It’s not just Brussels holding the knife to the debate. For instance, the Spanish government put an eye on BBVA’s attempt to take over Sabadell—think of it as the local bouncer shouting, “We’re not letting you in!”

    Clifford Chance’s Nigel Wellings on Scale

    He argues that the EU can’t always scream “no” just because the deal is big. In financial services, “scale is a badge of honor,” he says, especially when you’re competing on a global scale.

    Defense: The EU’s Rally Against External Pressure

    The hush‑hush of defense is no longer a secret. With Trump’s demand for stronger U.S. militaries and geopolitical tensions warming up, European unions—notably Germany—have loosened debt‑brake rules so they can boost defense and infrastructure.

    Bottom Line: Europe’s Deal‑Making—A Mixed Bag of “All‑In…” and “Stand‑Back”

    In short, the EU’s appetite for mergers is maturing, but regulators and national governments still keep their fingers in the tea pot. The future might see more consolidation, possibly even European champions, but for now it remains a game full of drama, humor, and a touch of the unpredictable.

    Moving through the headwinds

    M&A Market 2024: A Buzzing Yet Balanced Beat

    What’s Driving the Pulse?

    Tariffs by the former president are still hanging around like a ghost, while interest rates are easing like a slow‑swing dance. The appetite for scale keeps transactions spicy. Yet all this is mixed with:

    • Ukraine’s volatility— the market is still watching the chessboard move.
    • Regulatory tweaks that could either tighten or loosen the net.
    • ECB’s rate moves and the Fed’s decisions that set the financial tempo.

    Private Equity Plays the Back‑Door

    Private equity (PE) exits have been a bit of a sorry story this year. When PE investors snap a deal and hand cash back to the big whales, the buzz has been low. If PE outfits clear their backlog, the door opens wide for next year’s fireworks.

    Short‑Term: Little, but Not Silent

    It’s not a “we’re calling a home‑buyers market” that draws a crowd in a snap. But take the time to nurture the valuation and you’ll see buyers come knocking. Picture it like a good stew— the aroma takes time, yet a deep, hearty flavor eventually wins.

    —Wellings, in the true voice of a deal‑maker: “We’re not at a heavy sell‑side process where you put something on the market and three, four bidders come forward immediately. But if you do your process properly and work hard on valuation, you’ll see deals come through.”

  • Is Your Data Under Siege? Meet the Ransomware Negotiator Who Can Help

    Is Your Data Under Siege? Meet the Ransomware Negotiator Who Can Help

    Data Heist Hotline: Mark Lance’s Quick Dial

    Who’s Calling When the Bytes Get Locked?

    Mark Lance is the go‑to guy whenever a company’s confidential data gets shackled by cyber shenanigans. When the threat comes through, his phone always rings fast, and he’s on the line before anyone else even knows there’s an emergency.

    What the Hackers Are After

    • The corp’s data is being held hostage until the ransom drops.
    • The attackers keep coming back for that sweet payment.
    • The sensitive info is only returned once the money’s in the pocket.

    Background Note

    This whole saga was first reported by Chris Summers of The Epoch Times, where he laid out the incident with a blend of crisp journalistic style and undeniable human touch.

    When a Ransom Note Pops Up, Talk to the Mad‑Hatter First

    Mark Lance, the ransomware whisperer at Guidepoint Security, says the real trick in a cyber‑attack isn’t whether you toss cash into a black‑hole, but when you start the conversation. That early dialogue is like pulling a fire alarm to signal the squad, keeping the drama from turning into a full‑blown horror movie.

    What Mark Says

    • Early is essential: “The earlier we get engaged, the better,” Lance told The Epoch Times.
    • Victims usually know they’ve been hit when the ransomware notes appear. It’s like the universe’s way of shaking your hand.
    • Even if you’re not sending money, it’s worth talking to the criminals. Why? Because you can buy time—delay the inevitable data dump, giving your forensic team a breather.
    • He cites a case where a ransom demand jumped to a staggering $70 million. That’s a lot of zeros to keep quiet.

    Why This Matters

    Each day in the U.S., corporate giants and state‑run institutions fall prey to ransomware. In the first half of 2025, a Comparitech report found 208 attacks on government agencies worldwide, a 65‑percent jump from the previous year. That’s a lot of “Do you want to keep your files or pay someone else?” moments.

    The FBI’s Definition

    To keep it simple: Ransomware is a malicious gaggle of software that ties you up, blocks your files or networks, and wants a price tag to unlock them. It’s like a digital villain who whispers, “Move your money, or forever stick to your haystack.”

    Bottom Line

    The smarter move isn’t just about surviving the threat—you’re looking to preserve your operations, protect the data, and maybe even re‑implement a better security posture afterward. Engage early, negotiate, delay the release, and let your IT heroes finish their job. That’s the game plan that helps most organizations handle ransomware without turning their lives into a financial nightmare.

    Ransomware’s New Price Tag: From a Six‑Figure Hit to a Half‑Million‑Dollar Disaster

    In a seismic shift that would make a high‑end jeweler blush, the average cost to a business that falls victim to a ransomware attack has ballooned from a modest $761,106 in 2019 to a staggering $5.13 million by 2025. According to PurpleSec, a U.S.‑based cybersecurity firm, this figure isn’t just the ransom itself but the whole fallout: recovery effort, support services, and the cascade of hidden costs like reputational damage.

    What’s Behind the Numbers?

    • Ransom payment – the immediate ask from the bad actors.
    • Recovery & restoration – rebuilding systems, restoring data, and hiring specialists.
    • Indirect blows – lost revenue, customer churn, legal fines, and the halo of bad press.

    When businesses are jolted into a ransomware crisis, they’re often still scrambling to figure out what really happened and what to do next. “They’re not necessarily sure what has fully transpired or has occurred within their environment, to know what they potentially need to do as next steps,” notes Lance, a veteran in cybersecurity with 25 years of experience.

    Why the “Environment” Matters

    Lance explains that “environment” covers every hardware, software, and network backbone that keeps an organization ticking. In a handful of words: Security is a full system, not just the office door.

    Enter the Negotiator: Your Rescue Ranger

    When you call in a ransomware negotiator early on, you gain more than a calm voice over the phone. They help you:

    • Set realistic expectations about what can be salvaged.
    • Offer a realistic “playbook” of next steps.
    • Buy you precious time while you consult legal counsel.
    • Guide disclosure strategies—whether you need to spill the beans to the public, shareholders, the SEC, or other regulators.

    The advantage? If you jump in before the damage festers, the negotiator can pull some critical intel from the attackers—proof of data access and a kind of “file map” (a directory tree) that reveals exactly which files were compromised. “We can gather and glean information from those communications that can be shared, that they might not have otherwise,” Lance says. “But yeah, the earlier [we are brought in], the better.”

    Bottom Line: Pay Up, or Pay More

    Ransomware is no longer a quick bargain. The new cost reality forces companies to rethink their strategy: unearth the hidden damage, coordinate with lawyers, manage the public narrative, or else let the price tag float. The stakes are high, the numbers are higher, and the moral is simple: Act first, cost later.

    Cybersecurity Chaos: From White House Briefings to Ransomware Negotiations

    Jeanette Manfra: A White House Warning

    On December 19, 2017, Jeanette Manfra, the cyber‑security chief for the Department of Homeland Security, took the stage at the White House and dropped a bombshell: the United States believes that North Korea was the mastermind behind the global WannaCry ransomware attack.

    Manfra’s announcement sent ripples across the cyber‑security community. Think of it as the giant every‑man’s drum roll announcing that the enemy is here, and we’re not just talking about a random act of cyber vandalism—we’re dealing with a power‑sized, nation‑level adversary.

    Lance: The Riddle of Ransomware Negotiations

    In a different corner of the cyber‑warroom, Lance sheds light on how deal‑makers wrestle with ransomware gangs.

    1. Find the Guest’s Wants: Lance starts by asking the basic question, “What does the client want from the communication with the ransomware gang?”
    2. Strategic Pacing: Early on, the plan is often just to dilly‑dally—waiting to uncover the attack’s full scope and determine the stakes.
    3. Negotiation Flip‑Flop: If the victim eventually decides a ransom might be worth it, Lance flips the strategy. Now the focus shifts to how fast the fee is needed, whether the attackers demand prompt payment, or if there is a window for a real back‑and‑forth.
    4. Client‑Directed Tactics: “Our approach changes with the client’s needs and what they want to pull out of the situation,” Lance explains—essentially tailoring the game plan to each unique piece of the puzzle.

    In short: while some folks are shouting “enemy’s at the gate!” from the White House, others are quietly plotting their next move in the shadows of the cyber‑economy, juggling timing, demands, and the ever‑present risk of becoming the next headline.

    Cyber Ransom Notes

    How Cyber Criminals Drop Their Villainous Vouchers

    In most cases, the infamous ransom note isn’t sent via email or text—it slips right onto the desktop of the unlucky victim, as Scott Lance explains.

    Once that ominous message pops up, it gives the victim a clear, no‑touch rule: don’t mess with the IT systems. Instead, you’re instructed to:

    • Download a Tor browser (because anonymity is key).
    • Navigate to a dark‑web site where the attackers are waiting.
    • Start talking to them. Think of it as a very shady version of customer support.

    In short, the freelancers in the shadows have a pretty simple drop‑in protocol to keep the chaos going.

  • Starship launches could delay Florida flights up to 2 hours, FAA says

    Starship launches could delay Florida flights up to 2 hours, FAA says

    As regulators weigh SpaceX’s plans to launch its massive Starship rocket from Kennedy Space Center, federal documents warn those flights could ripple through Florida airspace, forcing ground stops at multiple airports, reroutes, and delays of up to two hours.  

    Even after launch, reentry of Starship’s two stages could require ground stops at some of the busiest airports in the country, according to a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) released by the Federal Aviation Administration this month.

    Florida airports affected by the launches may include Orlando International, Miami International, Tampa International, and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International.

    Average delays could be as long as 40 minutes to 2 hours for launches and Super Heavy booster landings, and 40 minutes to one hour for Starship reentries. Diversions and cancellations are possible, the FAA said in a companion slide deck.

    To manage risk, the FAA would establish Aircraft Hazard Areas (AHAs) over potentially impacted zones, as it does for commercial space launches today. Depending on the Starship flight trajectory, those zones could overlay routes above the Atlantic, parts of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and airspace in several Central American countries.

    “AHAs may necessitate the closure of dozens of coastal and deep-water oceanic airways over the Atlantic Ocean, requiring substantial aircraft rerouting to avoid the AHAs,” the draft EIS says regarding Starship launches.

    Tampa International Airport spokesperson Emily Nipps told TechCrunch the airport has not been involved in any briefings or procedural planning with the FAA or SpaceX, so far. However, a day after TechCrunch sent its inquiries to the relevant airports and the FAA, Nipps said the airport was informed it would be having those discussions “soon.”

    Techcrunch event

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

    San Francisco
    |
    October 27-29, 2025

    REGISTER NOW

    “Whether that changes anything for us operationally, I don’t yet know,” she said.

    A spokesperson for Miami International said they have not received any briefings on possible ground stops.

    SpaceX has been launching its flagship Falcon rockets from the Florida coast for years, and that cadence has sharply increased since 2020. Despite launching over 80 Falcon rockets from the Eastern Range last year, these launches don’t typically interrupt commercial airlines. But the Falcon rockets are substantially different from Starship: Falcon’s smaller size means a smaller possible footprint for debris in the case of an anomaly, and the Falcon launches are at this point predictable and mature. Starship is in a much earlier stage of development, with vehicles still occasionally blowing up during both ground tests and orbital flights. 

    Indeed, the draft EIS notes that the size of airspace closures may vary with each Starship mission, and that it could shrink as the vehicle becomes more reliable.

    An FAA spokesperson said the agency has already engaged with aviation organizations, and worked with SpaceX to develop notional launch and reentry trajectories. Prior to launch, the agency will also distribute a final Airspace Management Plan. The FAA relies on a number of factors, including the number of affected passengers, launch window duration, and major holidays when determining when a space launch can proceed, the spokesperson added.

    Starship is SpaceX’s next-generation launch system designed for travel to the moon and Mars. The 400-foot-tall rocket is composed of two stages: an upper stage, also called Starship, and a Super Heavy booster. Both stages are designed to be fully reusable and rapidly refurbished for high-cadence satellite delivery and missions to deep space.

    Today, SpaceX conducts all Starship launch activities from Starbase in south Texas. But the company is looking to expand operations to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, prompting the environmental review. That review is conducted by the FAA in cooperation with NASA, the Air Force, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and other federal agencies.

    The draft EIS analyzes up to 44 Starship launches per year, which could include up to 44 Super Heavy booster landings and 44 Starship landings. Super Heavy could land back at LC-39A, the launch pad at KSC, on a droneship, or be expended in the Atlantic. Starship landings could likewise occur at the pad, on a ship, or as water splashdowns with recovery in the Atlantic, Pacific, or Indian Oceans.

    The FAA said in the draft EIS that while temporary airspace closures may impact commercial airlines and other stakeholders, “mitigation strategies such as pre-coordinated reroutes, dynamic scheduling, and time-based traffic flow management could reduce operational burdens.”

    Today, the FAA uses a prototype tool called Space Data Integrator, which ingests real-time flight data from SpaceX and other operators to shrink the amount of time airspace is closed. The regulator says it wants to develop more tools to beef up its situational awareness capability, and each time Starship launches it will get more data on its operations.

    The U.S. Space Force is running a parallel environmental review at neighboring Cape Canaveral Space Force Base that analyzes up to 76 annual Starship launches. While the draft EIS for that site states Starship launches would result in airspace closures, it says details of the closures are not yet known because the site is expected to take months to prepare.  

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  • EU’s AI Act Fails to Safeguard Artists’ Copyright, Creatives Claim

    AI Act Hits the Real World – Creative Minds Hold Their Breath

    As the new AI Act makes its grand entrance this weekend, the creative community is holding its collective breath. They’re hoping the fresh legislation will finally put a stop to the wild and wacky ways AI folks have been training on their copyrighted content.

    What’s the Big Deal?

    Picture this: an AI system whacking through millions of songs, movies, and paintings to learn a few tricks and then, boom! It spits out a brand‑new track or a masterpiece that looks eerily similar to a famed artist’s work. The creative folks are up in arms.

    The Roadblocks Still Standing

    • Copyright & Consent Jumbles: The law isn’t crystal clear yet on what counts as “fair use” when it comes to training data.
    • Informed Consent Snafu: Companies aren’t always sure if the content they use has the green light from rights holders.
    • Licensing Labyrinth: Securing solid licenses for all that content is a maze that’s not exactly beginner-friendly.
    • Enforcement Woes: Even if the rules are set, keeping tabs on every AI model worldwide is a tall order.

    Why It Matters to Creators

    When AI copies a slice of a copyrighted work, the original creator gets less recognition and potentially less revenue. That’s not just a legal issue—it’s a compassion issue. Everyone wants their creativity to be respected and rewarded.

    Bottom Line: A Call for Clear Rules

    While the AI Act is a good step forward, the creative circle still craves bullet‑proof protections. They’re pushing for laws that give them a voice, a say, and a fair paycheck when their art is used in the training of AI.

    Artists Raising the Alarm: The AI Act Still Leaves a Few Ticks Unchecked

    What the AI Act is Trying to Do

    With the European Artificial Intelligence Act finally kicking off, lawmakers aimed for a sweeping safety net that could stand against a world of AI that’s growing faster than you can say “algorithm.”

    Why the Creative Community Is Still Frowning

    • Loopholes everywhere – musicians, writers, filmmakers, and visual artists feel they’re walking through a minefield.
    • No opt‑out or pay‑out guarantees – the act doesn’t make it easy for creators to say “No thanks” or to get a paycheck when their work gets fed into AI training models.
    • Opaque use of art – AI models that learn from music, books, and movies can do so without clear transparency or consent. That’s a recipe for creative infringement.

    Voices from the Front Lines

    Marc du Moulin, the Secretary‑General of the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA), sums it up: “The work of our members should not be used without transparency, consent, and remuneration. We see that the implementation of the AI Act does not give us that.”

    What Happens If the Act Doesn’t Get Fixed?

    Without a solid framework, artists risk having their creative output turned into training data for generative AI without ever seeing a royalty check. The art world might become a playground for AI, but at what cost to the creators who built the playground in the first place?

    In Plain English

    Simply put, the current AI Act is a promising start, but it still misses a few targets. Artists demand clearer rules that protect their art, let them opt out when they want to, and ensure they’re paid when their work is used to train robots. Until those gaps are closed, the creative community will keep pushing for a more concrete solution.

    ‘Putting the cart before the horse’

    EU’s AI Act: A New Playbook for Safer, Fairer, and More “Vanilla” Tech

    The European Commission has drafted the AI Act to keep artificial intelligence safe, transparent, traceable, non‑discriminatory, and environmentally friendly. Think of it as the EU’s way of putting a stern hand on the wild rabbit of rapid tech growth.

    Risk Levels: From “Practice‑worthy” to “Wait, That’s a Bad Idea!”

    • Minimal risk – Most chatbots and image generators fall here. But even if you’re in the low‑risk lane, you still need to publish a quick rundown of the copyrighted data you used to train your AI.
    • Limited risk – A step up, needing more stringent safeguards.
    • High risk – Technologies that could influence people’s decisions or safety (think election bots).
    • Unacceptable risk – Already banned. Examples: manipulative AIs or those that do social scoring—ranking people by their behavior or economic status.

    Why the “Minimal” Category Isn’t a Pass‑No‑Question Pass

    Even if your AI is deemed minimal risk, you’re not completely off the hook. The EU still wants you to maintain a “copyright policy”–a promise that you’ll respect creators’ rights and have a safe space for complaints. If your tech loves the public domain, that’s great—just make sure those creators can opt‑out.

    The Copyright Conundrum

    Under EU law, companies can harvest text and data for AI training unless a creator has “reserved their rights.” But how can an artist actually say, “I’m not giving my art to the AI crowd?” Du Moulin, an expert on the matter, says the process is murky:

    “This whole conversation is putting the cart before the horse. You don’t know how to opt out, but your work is already being used.”

    So if you’re an artist concerned about your works ending up in a GPT‑trained dataset, you might feel a bit “legally blindsided.”

    Voluntary Code of Practice: A Gentle Nugget of Self‑Governance

    The EU introduced the AI Code of Practice for General‑Purpose AI (GPAI), a voluntary yet pretty heavy‑handed agreement. Its key points:

    • Commit to a well‑drafted copyright policy.
    • Install safeguards to avoid rights violations.
    • Set up a dedicated area to receive and process complaints.

    Who’s Signing Up?

    So far, the signatories include tech giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and even OpenAI. It turns out that even the biggest players find it cheaper to cooperate than to fight the regulator every time a new AI comes online.

    Related

    Is Europe ready to police AI? Supervision and sanctions are on the horizon.

    AI providers have to respect copyright laws, the Commission says

    How the AI Act’s New Transparency Rules Leave Artists Feeling Left Behind

    Under the AI Act, there’s now a “who‑scraped‑my‑work” tracker that promises to give artists a better idea of where their art ends up. But for those of us who’re actually hoping for a slice of royalties, the reality hits harder than a stale baguette.

    What the Act Brings to the Table

    “With these new transparency requirements, artists can finally see whose turn it was to shout ‘mine!’”，du Moulin says. He concedes, however, that the Act is a future‑only safeguard. In plain English: whatever got captured before the law took effect is still free for anyone to feed into an AI model.

    Artists’ Struggle to Get Paid

    • Adriana Moscono – The general manager at GESAC – tried to get a license by sending letters and emails to the big names in AI. The outcome? A polite shrug, or worse, a complete silence.
    • “There was no answer,” Moscono told Euronews Next. “The big guns not only shut the door on copyright recognition but also ignored our pleas for fair compensation.”

    In short, many artists feel like they’ve been given a free lunch that’s hard to crunch.

    Response from the European Commission

    • Thomas Regnier, spokesperson for the Commission, weighed in. He noted that AI firms must respect rights holders when they pull data for training. If an infringement happened, it can be settled privately.
    • Regnier added, “The AI Act does not override existing EU copyright laws.”

    Why the Rulebook Isn’t Enough

    Despite the transparency push, artists find themselves at the mercy of AI companies that claim the market is still a “ground zero.” By avoiding the back‑door licensing route, they’re forced into the grim reality that many AI models have a history of using art without asking.

    Looking Ahead

    As the AI Act rolls out, artists remain hopeful that the future can bring retrievable rights and actual payments. But for now, the transparency tools might be a fancy badge rather than a tangible benefit.

    Mandate licence negotiations, groups ask

    When Robots Take the Stage: A Copyright Showdown

    Picture this: a bunch of music‑law heavy‑weights—Du Moulin and Ms. Moscono—stamp their boots on the Commission’s doorstep, demanding a clearer play‑by‑play on how artists can opt out of the AI frenzy and get the copyright protection they deserve.

    “We’re Not Getting a Ticket to the AI‑Act Fair Anyway!”

    “The code of practice, the template and the guidelines, they do’t give us even a map,” Moscono told reporters, sounding as if the AI dance floor is bumping against a wall that never lets anyone see the exit. “They don’t guarantee a proper application of the AI Act,” she added with a throw‑away side‑wink.

    Collective Licenses: A New Strategy?

    • Option A: The Commission could obligate AI firms to negotiate blanket licenses with a coalition of artists.
    • Option B: They might require “collective” agreements—imagine a concert where every guitarist signs on at once.

    GEMA Goes Full‑Berserker on OpenAI and Suno AI

    While the music‑rights giant GEMA’s two lawsuits against OpenAI (the squad behind ChatGPT) and Suno AI (the app that cooks up tunes out of thin air) are technically “outside the AI Act,” Du Moulin insists the verdict will set a precedent for how hard AI companies can be pushed by copyright laws.

    EU’s Two-Month Deadline Clock

    New AI outfits have a ticking clock: by 2026 they must be compliant with the AI Act’s regulations (14–2026). Already active in the EU? They just have a year extra, so until 2027.

    But What About the Text & Data Mining Clause?

    The Commission and the EU’s high court—the European Court of Justice—have already hinted that they’re going to take a fresh look at the 2019 copyright law’s text and data mining exemption. This could either loosen or tighten the rules for AI nestled in the data‑driven ecosystem.

    Take‑away: Artists, the Commission, and AI companies are in a tug‑of‑war—only the legal lasso will decide who holds the winner’s trophy.

  • Nvidia to sell H20 chips to China again after US gives export approval

    The move is a U-turn for the government, which in April banned sales of the chip to China.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    US tech giant Nvidia will start selling its H20 AI chip in China again after the Trump administration relaxed export restrictions.
    The White House gave assurances that it would grant licenses for the product in the Chinese market, the firm said on Tuesday in a blog post.

    The move is a U-turn for the government, which in April banned sales of the chip to China, linked to concerns that the technology could be used for military purposes. At the time, Nvidia said it had been told that the export control would stay in place for the “indefinite future”.
    Nvidia claimed in May that it had taken a $4.5 billion (€3.8bn) inventory cost hit in the April quarter because of the restrictions and added that it had missed out on an additional $2.5bn (€2.1bn) in sales. The announcement temporarily sent its share price plunging.
    The H20 chip was specifically designed for the Chinese market, in line with restrictions introduced by former president Joe Biden in 2023.
    When in office, Trump overhauled the Biden-era curbs but imposed restrictions on Nvidia’s H20 AI chip.
    On Tuesday, Nvidia also announced a new China-specific AI chip it said was “fully compliant” with export rules.

    Tuesday’s announcement comes after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has spent months lobbying in both the US and China.

    Related

    Chipmaker Nvidia hits $4 trillion making it world’s most valuable companyVolvo Cars CEO: dual tech for China and the West is new trade reality

    Huang argued that Trump’s restrictions were a “failure” in the sense that they were boosting China’s AI capabilities, notably as the market could no longer rely on American products. 
    Exports of the chip do, however, help Chinese AI companies like DeepSeek, that use Nvidia chips to create their products.

    The breakthrough comes as relations between Washington and Beijing have thawed in recent weeks.
    Earlier this year, the Trump administration threatened a 145% duty on Chinese goods sent to the US, and Beijing responded with a 125% retaliatory tariff. The two sides decided to lower these taxes in May, and then agreed on a trade framework last month.
    The trade agreement seeks to ease restrictions on exports of raw materials and other critical technologies. Throughout earlier talks, Donald Trump had nonetheless suggested that curbs on the H20 AI chip wouldn’t be relaxed as part of the framework. Both China and the US are seeking to find a permanent solution to replace the temporary trade truce before a 12 August deadline.
    Nvidia’s Huang is currently in Beijing to hold talks with government officials, after meeting with President Trump last week.
    The CEO also announced plans to create a new graphics processing unit, the RTX PRO, for the Chinese market, which he said is fully compliant with US export controls.