PSA: Apple’s Private Relay can leak your real IP address
A bug in how Apple implements its Private Relay feature, which in theory masks users’ IP addresses from the sites they visit, can reveal users’ real IP addresses.
The Download: a censorship conspiracy theory and the first virus created by AI
This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. How ideas of a vast censorship network moved from the online fringe to Trump policy For years, narratives about a “censorship-industrial complex” spread in right-wing circles. The theory claimed that, under…
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Why Cutting Marketing After a Big Investment Is the Costliest Mistake You Can Make
A company makes a major investment, cash gets tight and marketing and PR are the first line items cut. It’s a familiar pattern — and it’s exactly how growth investments quietly fail.
McDonald’s Profit Beat Expectations. But Its CEO Is Still Unhappy With How Sales Grew: ‘We Simply Didn’t Execute’
CEO Chris Kempczinski blamed inconsistent execution and a pullback in digital deals. The chain also named a new head of its US business.
What Is SOC 2 Compliance, and Does Your SaaS Business Need It?
Sooner or later a customer will ask if you’re “SOC 2 compliant.” Here’s everything you need to know.
Shopify says AI search is driving more traffic and sales, not replacing Google
Shopify says AI isn’t cannibalizing search traffic the way it has for publishers. Instead, AI-driven traffic and orders to Shopify stores tripled year over year in Q2.
Hark previews its browser use agent for completing tasks
Hark claims that its browser use agent is faster and cheaper than competition.
Puzzle Corner
Ready for a fresh set of puzzles? Click here for the September/October 2026 Puzzle Corner, brought to you by Michael S. Branicky, ScD ’95, of the Puzzle Corner Puzzle Crew (aka PC2), which also includes Edward Faulkner ’03, MEng ’04, and Abe Kunin ’03. This column includes solutions to the May/June issue. Send problems, solutions (by October…
You Could Get a $24,000 College Scholarship — Without Even Applying to Any Schools
Hundreds of universities are trying to bring in more students by admitting them before they even submit an application.
Your Employees Are Bringing AI Salary Ranges to Pay Talks. Here’s How to Respond.
Compensation isn’t a data output — and the leaders who lose sight of that while employees arrive with ChatGPT-generated benchmarks risk eroding trust, culture and retention.
Zoox to start charging for robotaxi rides in Las Vegas
This marks the official launch of Zoox’s commercial operations.