**Waymo Extends Robotaxi Testing in NYC Through 2025** Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving technology company, has received approval to continue its robotaxi testing operations in New York City until the end of 2025. This extension signifies a continued push for autonomous vehicle integration in one of the world’s most complex urban environments. The company has been actively […]

**California’s SB 53: Drawing the Blueprint for AI Safety Regulation** California has taken a significant stride into the complex world of artificial intelligence governance with the introduction of Senate Bill 53 (SB 53). This ambitious legislation is quickly being hailed as a potential blueprint for AI safety regulation, not just within the United States, but

## OpenAI’s New Social App: A Deepfake Nightmare Starring Sam Altman OpenAI’s much-anticipated foray into social media has launched, but its debut is proving to be less about community building and more about crisis management. Users are reporting a deluge of unsettling content, with the app’s feeds allegedly flooded with “terrifying” deepfakes, many prominently featuring

## California’s AI Safety Pivot: Why Pragmatism Prevailed Over Pre-Emption California’s recent legislative efforts to regulate artificial intelligence reveal a stark lesson in political and technological pragmatism. While the ambitious SB 1047, which sought to impose stringent pre-deployment safety tests and even a “kill switch” for advanced AI models, ultimately failed, a more focused and

CharacterAI has begun removing popular Disney-themed character bots from its platform, following the receipt of a cease-and-desist letter. The AI chatbot service, known for user-created conversational AI models, previously hosted a multitude of bots inspired by Disney’s extensive intellectual property, including princesses, heroes, and villains. The move comes as copyright holders become increasingly vigilant about

**California’s AI Law: A Blueprint for Harmonious Progress** California’s recent enactment of an AI safety law offers a compelling case study: regulation and innovation are not inherently at odds. Far from stifling progress, this legislation demonstrates how well-considered guardrails can actually create a more fertile ground for technological advancement. The traditional narrative often pits the

**OpenAI Staff Grapples with Social Media Push** OpenAI is reportedly experiencing internal friction as its staff contends with the company’s expanding social media strategy. While the AI leader aims to rapidly disseminate information and engage the public, some employees are said to be uneasy with the approach. Concerns reportedly center on the pressure to actively

**Perplexity Nabs Visual Electric Team for AI Design Prowess** Perplexity, the AI-powered answer engine, has announced the acquisition of the team behind Visual Electric, an AI design startup backed by Sequoia Capital. This strategic move sees Perplexity integrating Visual Electric’s expertise in AI-driven visual creation, signaling a potential expansion of its capabilities beyond text-based answers

## Last Call: Disrupt 2025 Founder and Investor Bundle Savings Vanish Tomorrow This is it. The final hours are ticking down for those looking to secure significant savings on the Founder and Investor Bundle for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Aspiring entrepreneurs and astute investors have until tomorrow to lock in discounted access to one of the

**OpenAI Achieves World’s Most Valuable Private Company Status** OpenAI has solidified its position as the world’s most valuable private company, following a recent private stock sale. The transaction, a tender offer allowing existing employee shareholders to sell their shares, reportedly valued the AI powerhouse at an estimated $80 billion or more. This significant valuation leap