Tech & AI — Morning Digest — 2026-06-30

Tech & AI — Morning Digest — 2026-06-30

Generated Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:01:36 GMT

US Offers $10M for Info on Signal-WhatsApp Hackers

The US government is offering a $10 million reward for information on a group responsible for a hacking operation targeting Signal and WhatsApp users. The operation, attributed to two Russia-state groups, has been ongoing since at least March.

  • US State Department offers $10 million reward for information on hackers
  • Operation targeted Signal and WhatsApp messaging platforms
  • Attributed to two Russia-state affiliated groups
  • Hacking activity ongoing since at least March 2026

Source: Biz & IT - Ars Technica

Tidal won’t pay royalties on AI-generated music but isn’t banning it outright

Tidal announced new policies for AI-generated music: starting July 15th, tracks identified as 100% AI-generated will be labeled with an icon, and from today, those tracks will no longer be monetizable. The platform aims to protect artists and inform listeners without an outright ban.

  • Tidal will not pay royalties on 100% AI-generated music starting today.
  • Starting July 15th, Tidal will label such tracks with an icon.
  • The policy aims to protect artists and inform listeners, not ban AI music outright.

Source: AI | The Verge

OpenAI teases new hardware for Codex coding tool

OpenAI has posted a teaser video on X showing a square-shaped device with buttons, captioned 'Your favorite Codex shortcuts are getting an upgrade,' suggesting a hardware release for its AI-powered coding tool Codex on July 15th. The device is separate from the mysterious AI device OpenAI is reportedly developing with other partners.

  • OpenAI announced a July 15th release for a new device tied to its coding tool Codex.
  • A teaser video posted on X shows a square device with multiple buttons.
  • The caption reads "Your favorite Codex shortcuts are getting an upgrade."
  • This device is distinct from the previously reported AI-powered device OpenAI is working on with others.

Source: AI | The Verge