Alibaba-Linked Operators Allegedly Target Anthropic’s Claude
Operators allegedly affiliated with Alibaba have carried out what Anthropic calls its largest illicit AI distillation campaign, extracting capabilities from its Claude models at a peak rate of nearly 3 million exchanges a day. According to Anthropic’s September 2026 threat report, the operation generated more than 151 million exchanges between May and July. The campaign allegedly targeted Claude Opus 4.6 and 4.7, with the resulting outputs converted into training data for Alibaba’s Qwen family of AI models. The case highlights growing concerns around AI distillation, where outputs from advanced models can potentially be harvested at scale to develop competing systems.
Volkswagen Faces €16 Billion Restructuring Bill
Volkswagen could face a restructuring bill of around €16 billion as Europe’s largest carmaker attempts to tackle mounting pressure from Chinese competition, tariffs and excess production capacity. According to a person familiar with the matter, the estimate includes costs associated with reducing Volkswagen’s global workforce and potentially phasing out production at several German plants. The massive restructuring programme reflects the growing challenges facing traditional automakers as they navigate weaker demand, intense competition and the costly transition toward electric vehicles. Potential plant closures and job reductions could make the programme one of the most significant corporate restructuring efforts in Volkswagen’s history.
Hunter Biden Enters Crypto With $LAPTOP Token
Hunter Biden, son of former US President Joe Biden, is entering the cryptocurrency market with a digital token inspired by one of the most controversial objects associated with his family — his laptop. Called $LAPTOP, the cryptocurrency is scheduled to launch on September 9. Hunter announced the project on X alongside a video compilation featuring news reports and Trump administration officials discussing the laptop controversy. The unusual launch combines cryptocurrency with one of the most politically charged stories surrounding the Biden family. The project is likely to attract significant attention because of its provocative branding and the political history attached to the laptop.
Cognizant Faces US Green Card Sponsorship Suspension
Indian-founded technology major Cognizant is facing heightened scrutiny in the US after the Department of Labor suspended its ability to file new green card sponsorship applications. The move comes as Washington intensifies its examination of alleged H-1B visa misuse and potential visa fraud involving major employers. Cognizant is among the largest corporate users of H-1B visas in the US, placing the company directly in the spotlight amid the Trump administration’s push to tighten immigration enforcement. The development could have significant implications for the company’s foreign workforce and long-term talent strategy, particularly as American authorities increase scrutiny of employment-based immigration practices.
Anthropic Drops Plans To Acquire Decart AI
Anthropic has decided against acquiring artificial intelligence startup Decart AI, despite previously exploring a potential transaction and conducting due diligence on the company. The decision brings an end, for now, to talks that could have resulted in one of Anthropic’s largest acquisitions. People familiar with the matter said the companies could still explore other forms of collaboration in the future. Representatives of both Anthropic and Decart declined to comment. The development comes as AI companies increasingly pursue acquisitions and partnerships to expand their capabilities, talent pools and technology portfolios, making the decision notable amid Anthropic’s broader push to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving AI market.
Australia Moves To Give Users More Algorithm Control
Australia is preparing legislation that could give users greater control over the algorithms shaping their social media feeds. Under the proposed rules, Australians may be allowed to switch off recommendation systems that personalise content based on their interests and online behaviour. The legislation, expected to be introduced in Parliament, would establish a new “digital duty of care” for major technology companies. Platforms such as Meta could be required to give users a meaningful choice over how their feeds are generated. Communications Minister Anika Wells said the government does not intend to eliminate personalised algorithms, but wants users to have greater control over how recommendation systems influence their online experience.
Credits: The Independent
