Google has urged Gmail users to upgrade their account security after revealing that over 60% have been targeted by cyberattacks. Despite the increasing threat, most people still rely on outdated protections like passwords and SMS-based two-factor authentication.
Google is now pushing users to adopt passkeys and social sign-ins to improve their defences. Passkeys offer phishing-resistant access and use biometric methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition tied to a user’s device, removing the need for traditional passwords.
While digitally savvy Gen Z users are more likely to adopt these new methods, but many still reuse passwords, leaving their accounts exposed to breaches and scams. Google emphasised that passwords are both insecure and inconvenient and called on users to switch to tools that offer stronger protection.
Microsoft, meanwhile, has gone even further by encouraging users to eliminate passwords entirely. Google’s long-term goal is to simplify sign-ins while increasing security across its platforms.
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Microsoft has launched a free cybersecurity initiative for European governments aimed at countering increasingly sophisticated cyber threats powered by AI. Company President Brad Smith said Europe would benefit from tools already developed and deployed in the US.
The programme is designed to identify and disrupt AI-driven threats, including deepfakes and disinformation campaigns, which have previously been used to target elections and undermine public trust.
Smith acknowledged that AI is a double-edged sword, with malicious actors exploiting it for attacks, while defenders increasingly use it to stay ahead. Microsoft continues to monitor how its AI products are used, blocking known cybercriminals and working to ensure AI serves as a stronger shield than weapon.
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WhatsApp is preparing to introduce usernames, allowing users to hide their phone numbers and opt for a unique ID instead. Meta’s push reflects growing demand for more secure and anonymous communication online.
Currently in development and not yet available for testing, the new feature will let users create usernames with letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, while blocking misleading formats like web addresses.
The move aims to improve privacy by letting users connect without revealing personal contact details. A system message will alert contacts whenever a username is updated, adding transparency to the process.
Although still in beta, the feature is expected to roll out soon, bringing WhatsApp in line with other major messaging platforms that already support username-based identities.
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Bitcoin exchange-traded funds in the United States faced $278 million in outflows on 5 June, reversing gains made earlier in the week. The shift followed a public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, sparking wider uncertainty across markets.
The Cryptocurrency Fear & Greed Index dropped to ‘Fear’ on 6 June, as both Tesla and Trump Media shares also fell sharply.
The recent ETF downturn added to previous losses totalling $1.2 billion between 29 May and 2 June. Among the hardest hit was ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, which recorded $102 million in outflows. No Bitcoin ETFs saw any inflows that day, highlighting investor caution.
In contrast, Ether ETFs continued their positive run with $11.3 million in inflows on 5 June, extending a 14-day streak. Although inflows were lower than earlier in the week, interest in Ether remains strong, supported by network upgrades and robust ETH futures activity.
Institutional interest also persists, with BlackRock acquiring $50 million worth of Ether on 3 June. Meanwhile, global Bitcoin ETPs saw net outflows of $8 million over the past week, suggesting that Bitcoin is facing a temporary setback while Ether enjoys relative strength.
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Moroccan police arrested 24-year-old dual French-Moroccan Bajjou Badiss Mohamed AmiDe, wanted for kidnappings of cryptocurrency holders in France. An Interpol red notice issued by French authorities led to his identification and arrest.
Charges include organised crime, kidnapping, and extortion. Due to his dual nationality, he will face trial in Morocco, with French prosecutors sharing the case files.
The arrest follows a recent surge in violent attacks on crypto entrepreneurs in France. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has introduced emergency security measures, including private consultations and home risk assessments for those at risk.
France has seen 14 of the world’s 50 known attacks on crypto figures over the past year, according to Ledger co-founder Éric Larchevêque.
High-profile incidents include the attempted abduction of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat’s daughter and the arrest of seven suspects linked to a victim found with a severed finger. Officials stress the urgency of judicial action to prevent further violence.
French authorities have thanked Morocco for its cooperation, while proceedings against Bajjou will continue under Moroccan jurisdiction.
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Amazon is investing $10 billion to build data centres in North Carolina, aiming to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure instead of outsourcing compute needs.
The initiative will create at least 500 high-skilled roles and includes support for education, broadband careers, and local development through a $150,000 community fund.
The company is also developing AI-powered humanoid robots for future delivery tasks, reportedly testing them in a newly constructed ‘humanoid park’ at its San Francisco office.
Although using third-party hardware for now, the long-term goal is to embed Amazon’s software into these robots, according to sources.
Experts say the investment underlines a growing concern: that only large firms can afford the infrastructure needed for cutting-edge AI.
‘It’s positive for growth but risks concentrating innovation in Big Tech’s hands,’ said Leo Fan, co-founder of Cysic, a blockchain-based AI firm. He argues that the shift could disincentivise smaller players and dampen broader AI progress.
Amazon is also rolling out Alexa+, a new generative AI-powered assistant, and has secured a licensing deal with The New York Times to integrate journalism, recipes, and sports content into Alexa and other AI products, further extending its ecosystem instead of relying solely on internal data.
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JPMorgan will start accepting Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as collateral for loans, signalling a growing institutional embrace of digital assets. The bank will include crypto holdings alongside equities and fine art when assessing clients’ net worth and assets.
The initial programme will include BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust and be available globally to trading and wealth-management clients soon. JPMorgan’s new policy formalises earlier practices and is expected to expand to include other Bitcoin ETFs over time.
The move reflects a broader shift in the US regulatory landscape, with President Donald Trump’s administration supporting pro-crypto policies that encourage greater bank involvement.
Despite CEO Jamie Dimon’s personal scepticism towards Bitcoin, the bank remains committed to serving clients interested in digital asset exposure.
As crypto investment products gain traction among retail and high-net-worth investors, JPMorgan’s new approach highlights the increasing convergence of traditional finance and digital markets.
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OpenAI has added another 1 million paying business subscribers since February, bringing the total to 3 million across ChatGPT Enterprise, Team and Edu.
The milestone was shared during a company livestream and confirmed in interviews with outlets like CNBC.
Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap noted that the business tools are being adopted widely, even in regulated sectors like finance and healthcare.
He said growth among individual users has fuelled enterprise adoption instead of stalling it, highlighting a feedback loop between consumer and business uptake.
OpenAI launched ChatGPT Enterprise in August 2023, followed by Team in January 2024 and Edu in May 2024. Within a year of its first business product, the firm had already reached 1 million paying business users—a number that has now tripled.
Lightcap said AI is reshaping work across sectors—from student learning to patient care and public services—by increasing productivity instead of just automating tasks.
A separate PYMNTS Intelligence report found that 82% of workers using generative AI weekly believe it improves their output. OpenAI’s overall user base has reportedly reached 800 million people, with CEO Sam Altman claiming 10% of the global population now uses the company’s tools.
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The Czech government faces a no-confidence vote after Justice Minister Pavel Blazek resigned amid controversy over a Bitcoin donation. The digital contribution, worth millions, came from Tomas Jirikovsky, a convicted drug trafficker linked to Sheep Marketplace.
The donation, made in March, was sold for over $45 million at a public auction, sparking political backlash.
Blazek denied any wrongdoing in accepting the donation but stepped down amid growing pressure. Opposition party ANO criticised the government’s handling of the affair, calling for immediate resignation.
The scandal adds to mounting concerns as the October elections approach, with polls showing the ruling coalition trailing behind ANO.
Jirikovsky was convicted in 2017 and released in 2021, after which he sought to reclaim seized Bitcoin. Investigations revealed a dark web trail tied to the donation, but no formal links to other marketplaces were confirmed.
Political analysts suggest Prime Minister Petr Fiala could also face scrutiny due to his close association with Blazek.
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Google is building a next-generation email system that uses generative AI to reply to mundane messages in your own tone, according to DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis.
Speaking at SXSW London, Hassabis said the system would handle everyday emails instead of requiring users to write repetitive responses themselves.
Hassabis called email ‘the thing I really want to get rid of,’ and joked he’d pay thousands each month for that luxury. He emphasised that while AI could help cure diseases or combat climate change, it should also solve smaller daily annoyances first—like managing inbox overload.
The upcoming feature aims to identify routine emails and draft replies that reflect the user’s writing style, potentially making decisions on simpler matters.
While details are still limited, the project remains under development and could debut as part of Google’s premium AI subscription model before reaching free-tier users.
Gmail already includes generative tools that adjust message tone, but the new system goes further—automating replies instead of just suggesting edits.
Hassabis also envisioned a universal AI assistant that protects users’ attention and supports digital well-being, offering personalised recommendations and taking care of routine digital tasks.
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