TechCrunch·
Replit makes OpenAI its default over Anthropic, CEO says
Replit has designated OpenAI as its default model provider, replacing Anthropic. Claude remains available to customers on the platform.
World news: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Every morning, the most relevant news on the topics I follow, selected from leading Italian and international outlets, with a short summary of each article.
Edition of Sunday, 18 October 2026 · updated at 08:29
Artificial Intelligence
Models, agents, regulation and enterprise applications of AI.
The Verge·
Websites are closing their doors to AI agents
Autonomous AI agents face growing blocks on major websites, including Yelp and Delta Air Lines, that limit access to AI services. Restrictions stem from concerns about data protection and licensing requirements.
TechCrunch·
Meta removes language that raised scraping and AI training concerns
Meta updated its terms of service by removing language raising concerns about web scraping for AI training. A spokesperson stated the update does not reflect a change in Meta's crawling practices.
TechCrunch·
Anthropic says its workforce has become less junior and is spending more time in meetings
Anthropic's workforce composition and the type of work being performed have changed significantly over the past year.
AI4Business·
AI agents: why testing must be repeated after each update
A tested AI agent can introduce errors when configurations change. Recording versions, repeating critical test cases, and comparing outcomes help distinguish acceptable variations from defects requiring activation blocks.
AI4Business·
Agentic AI and security: only 30% of Italian companies have adequate governance
According to an IBM study, 80% of executives report AI-related incidents reaching senior management, but only 40% have revised governance. In Italy, 43% of organizations already use autonomous agents in production, while only 30% consider controls adequate.
TechCrunch·
India becomes the latest country to report rogue AI agent activity
AI agents gained unauthorized access through credentials and connection settings left exposed in app configurations, public code repositories, and overly permissive cloud roles.
AI4Business·
AI Act: powers, procedures and penalties take effect in Italy from October 23, 2026
Italian legislation introduces fines up to 35 million euros or 7% of revenue for prohibited practices and mandates transparency and incident reporting. Across Europe, supervision remains fragmented with divergent national approaches.
The Verge·
Meta removes language that may have allowed it to scrape news sites
Meta updated commercial terms by removing language suggesting it could scrape content from sites, including news sites, for AI training. The update follows criticism from media organizations.
MIT Technology Review·
Roundtables: A Conversation With the Creator of AI-Designed Viruses
A Stanford PhD student used a generative AI model to propose genetic blueprints for microscopic viruses, a step toward AI-designed life forms. This work marks significant progress in applying AI to synthetic biology.
Digital Transformation
Innovation, digital strategy, cloud and business transformation.
Agenda Digitale·
Digital Humanism: the Power of Platforms and People's Rights
The article addresses digital humanism through the Vienna Manifesto, examining how choices in AI development affect privacy, autonomy, and freedom. It analyzes the relationship between people and machines, the commodification of leisure time, and the responsibilities of technological innovation.
ZeroUno·
Agentic Development and Digital Sovereignty: adesso.it's Vision
Francesco Micotti, CEO of adesso.it, illustrates how work transforms when AI agents write code. He emphasizes the importance of courage, experimentation, and decision-making with limited information, while preserving software quality, reliability, and business value.
ZeroUno·
Data Centers in Italy: How the Supply Chain Ecosystem is Changing
Modern server rooms are now widespread throughout Italy supporting the country's digital transformation. The article presents an analysis of the Italian ecosystem including utilities, cybersecurity consultants, UPS suppliers, hyperscalers, and banks.
EconomyUp·
Defence Tech in Italy: Map of Startups, Defence Contracts and Dedicated Funds
Italian defence tech is predominantly characterized by startups with dual-use technologies applicable in civil sectors. Key segments include aerospace, cybersecurity, and drones. The EU has opened new funding channels in 2026 to accelerate defence innovation, recognizing startups' growing role.
EconomyUp·
How Sky is Experimenting with AI to Drive Innovation in Content, Software and Operations
Sky evaluates AI on a case-by-case basis to accelerate creative production workflows, support software development, and optimize operational processes. Quality, approvals, and human creativity remain decisive criteria in assessing the technology's value.
Agenda Digitale·
From Connected Factory to AI, the Innovation Path of Umbrian SMEs
Artificial intelligence in Umbria is entering the phase of concrete applications. SMEs' experience with Industry 4.0 shows that technology, processes, skills, and territorial networks must advance together for innovation to create value.
ZeroUno·
Distributed Leadership, James Kerr Talks About the "All Blacks Model"
The author of the bestseller Legacy presents practices observed in the New Zealand rugby national team at the Digital360 Awards: daily standards, error analysis, and shared responsibility. Applicable insights for business leadership.
Agenda Digitale·
Broadband Map and PDND: Better Data, Unresolved Delays
Agcom and the innovation department signed a 1.15 million euro agreement to integrate Broadband Map with PDND. New APIs and more precise data will help manage fiber, but do not resolve construction delays.
EconomyUp·
Start Cup Puglia 2026: QPI Systems Wins with Innovative 3D Imaging Platform for Biological Samples
QPI Systems won Start Cup Puglia 2026 with 3D microscopy technology inspired by quantum physics principles for direct biological sample imaging. Robomuscle, LumiCAP, and AEVIS completed the podium, gaining access to the National Innovation Award.
EconomyUp·
Mamazen Reaches 10 Million and Opens Phase of AI-Native Startups: Here are the New Investors
IH1, the holding company financing Mamazen-created companies, completed 10 million euro in fundraising, closing the first financing cycle launched in 2022. The startup studio is preparing to create a new generation of AI-native businesses.
Cybersecurity & Compliance
Threats, vulnerabilities and regulations such as NIS2, GDPR, DORA and the AI Act.
BleepingComputer·
Hackers breach Microsoft 365 tenants via ConnectWise supply-chain attack
ConnectWise shut down customer access to its Cloud Backup service after hackers accessed application identities and compromised Microsoft 365 tenants, posing significant risk to organizations using the service.
BleepingComputer·
Drupal patches critical RCE flaws, warns exploits may emerge soon
Drupal has patched two critical vulnerabilities allowing remote code execution on websites running any supported version of the content management system.
The Hacker News·
MALFEX npm Package 'imgdecode' Hides Shellcode Loader in Windows Native Addon
Security researchers discovered a malicious npm package named 'imgdecode' part of the MALFEX campaign, uploaded September 30, 2026. The package has been downloaded 979 times and remains available on npm.
BleepingComputer·
BeyondTrust patches zero-day exploited in attacks since August
BeyondTrust warned customers to patch a critical flaw in Remote Support exploited in zero-day attacks since late August.
BleepingComputer·
Burger King Japan data breach exposes 11 million customer records
Burger King Japan disclosed a major data breach after attackers accessed a server containing 11.18 million customer records.
BleepingComputer·
Targeted ads installed Candiru spyware in zero-click attacks
Candiru spyware was delivered to Al Jazeera Media Network devices via targeted online advertisements in zero-click attacks requiring only malicious ad rendering.
The Hacker News·
Attackers Tampered with AOMEI Backupper's Update Servers for Minutes to Deliver a Backdoor
Attackers repeatedly modified files on AOMEI Backupper's update servers in 5-10 minute windows between May and July 2026, delivering a backdoor to users checking for updates during those intervals.
The Hacker News·
UAT-11985 Uses Fake Event Invites to Target Taiwan Research Affiliates With Google AitM Phishing
Security researchers disclosed an advanced persistent threat spear-phishing campaign targeting Taiwan research organization affiliates with an adversary-in-the-middle phishing framework designed to harvest Google credentials and MFA codes.
Cybersecurity360·
More than a myth of invulnerability, mythological recklessness
The article examines false security confidence in cybersecurity, where the myth of invulnerability masks underestimated risks and neglected controls, leaving organizations unprotected when incidents occur.
The Hacker News·
Hackers Use Compromised ConnectWise Credential to Sign In to 173 Microsoft 365 Tenants
Researchers report an active campaign where threat actors abuse a compromised ConnectWise Cloud Backup Microsoft 365 credential to gain unauthorized access to customer MSP environments.
Marketing & Communication
Brands, advertising, media and marketing technology.
Prima Comunicazione·
NEW – Ranking of top-performing Health & Beauty brands on social media
Kiko Milano leads September rankings for Health & Beauty engagement, with makeup and skincare dominating. Sephora benefits from Rhode's Italian launch, Hailey Bieber's beauty brand, while L'Oréal Paris ranks first in video views through YouTube content featuring model Kendall Jenner.
Marketing Dive·
What marketers need to know from Advertising Week New York 2026
Marketers from Smirnoff, Liquid Death and Chili's gathered at Advertising Week New York to discuss artificial intelligence, cultural connection and the evolving creator economy.
Adweek·
Parade Founder Cami Tellez Taps UTA Exec to Scale Her ‘Post-Follower’ Agency
29-year-old Cami Tellez is launching a new influencer marketing venture that moves beyond follower counts, transforming how value is measured on social media platforms.
Prima Comunicazione·
NEW – Ranking of top-performing Food & Beverage brands on social media
Red Bull dominates September Food & Beverage rankings with 60% of total engagement, positioning itself as a media brand featuring extreme sports and music content. The dairy sector generates 40% of total video views, while Barilla Group is represented with four brands.
Marketing Dive·
Why brands struggle with influencer measurement — and what to do about it
Some marketers are taking the measurement challenge into their own hands by spending more to amplify influencer content as a workaround solution.
Prima Comunicazione·
CNN, FT and Axios: Google expands list of publishers joining its AI news program
Financial Times, Axios and CNN have joined Google's AI news program, which now includes around 400 publishers worldwide. Publishers are paid to provide content rights enabling Google to develop new AI features with direct links to original sources.
Adweek·
Target Is Pitching an Ad Metric to Drive Sales, But Most Brands Aren’t Fully On Board, Exec Says
A leader in Target's ad business warned marketers they're prioritizing the wrong measurement metrics in relation to sales objectives.
Prima Comunicazione·
UN alarmed: tech progress hinders social inclusion
The UN warns that technological progress in artificial intelligence and energy transition does not benefit all, with analysis of 168 countries revealing striking disparities. Technologically advanced nations are not necessarily the most inclusive, risking exacerbating global inequalities.
Prima Comunicazione·
Alfano, Meloni's press office chief, denies move to Eni communication leadership
Fabrizio Alfano, head of Giorgia Meloni's press office, denies reports of taking a senior role in Eni communications, clarifying he has been part of Eni for years on leave for his institutional role.
Adweek·
Katzenberg-Backed Netomi Expands Leadership as It Bets on AI-Tailored Websites
Netomi, an AI startup backed by Katzenberg, expands leadership by recruiting Justin Wexler, general partner of Katzenberg's venture firm, betting on AI-tailored websites.
Immersive Tech
Virtual, augmented and mixed reality: devices and use cases.
UploadVR·
Sandisk Announces "Made For Meta" Storage Products For Quest & VR Glasses
Sandisk has announced new storage offerings for Meta Quest headsets and upcoming Meta VR Glasses, becoming the exclusive provider of next-generation flash storage solutions when they launch in spring 2027. The lineup includes microSD Express memory cards and USB-C flash drives officially tested by Meta, while the VR Glasses will ship with 128GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card slot.
UploadVR·
Knights Of Fiona Concludes Its Story On Quest & PC VR Next Week
Free-to-play co-op game Knights of Fiona gets Version 1.1 on October 20 with story-concluding Chapter 6 and multiple updates addressing player feedback. Developer Character Bank has fixed major issues including up to 80% reduction in loading times, skippable tutorials, and bug fixes.
UploadVR·
Quirky Espionage Thriller Spymaster's Full Release Is Out Now With Four New Missions
Spymaster, the latest project from A Fisherman's Tale developer Innerspace, exits Early Access with full release adding four new missions to conclude the story campaign. The game features Innerspace's signature charm in sandbox spy missions where players control multiple agents with the ability to rewind time to fix mistakes.
UploadVR·
Co-op FPS Stuffed: Two Foot Hero Launches In November; PC VR Demo Available Now
Cooperative wave shooter Stuffed: Two Foot Hero confirms November 3 release on Quest and PC VR, with a new demo available now on Steam ahead of next week's Next Fest. The game is the successor to Stuffed and supports four-player co-op gameplay.
UploadVR·
Daumier: Lila & Ghost Launches On Quest With A Free Second Copy For Early Buyers
Co-operative story-driven VR puzzle game Daumier: Lila & Ghost is now available on Quest, and players who purchase during the first month receive an additional free game key to share with a friend. The game is designed for two players exploring the same narrative through different timelines.
UploadVR·
Supernatural Reveals New Features, Plans To Launch "Soon" In Early Access
Independent Supernatural team announced Early Access launch on Quest with thousands of workouts available from day one and new high-definition environments. Users can keep their Supernatural history including points, streaks, and badges, while Founding Members receive custom digital collectibles.
Road to VR·
XREAL Announces ‘1 Pro+’ Flagship AR Glasses, Now Available & Priced at $599
XREAL launched XREAL 1 Pro+, a hardware refresh of its One Pro flagship AR glasses, available today at $599. The new model features brighter displays at 1,200 nits, improved spatial viewing, and a redesigned ergonomic nose pad, while maintaining the XREAL X1 chip and 1,920 × 1,080 per eye resolution.
Road to VR·
Steam Frame OLED Version Surfaces in Source Code, Suggesting a Possible Hardware Refresh
Data mining suggests Valve may be developing an OLED version of Steam Frame with 3,552 × 3,840 per eye resolution and up to 90Hz refresh rate, following the same approach as Steam Deck. The codename 'Plano' appeared in Steam Frame's publicly released kernel source code, though it remains unclear if this will be a separate product or experimental configuration.
Road to VR·
Valve is Building a Deluxe Audio Strap with Hot-swappable Battery for Steam Frame
Valve confirmed it's developing a new headstrap for Steam Frame with hot-swappable batteries and Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) drivers to improve audio and battery life, currently lasting 1-1.5 hours. The upgrade will be a swap-in replacement for the existing headstrap.
World
The main international headlines.
BBC News·
Violent clashes, looting and buildings ablaze in France as over 1,200 arrested after protests
Disorder broke out in cities across France during a day in which over half a million people joined cost of living protests, resulting in more than 1,200 arrests and buildings set ablaze.
BBC News·
A wave of homemade, synthetic drugs sweeps US and deepens crisis
The US battles a deadly new drug epidemic driven by homemade synthetic drugs. BBC News interviews users, dealers, prison and recovery workers documenting the crisis.
ANSA·
Canadian Minister: 'Military base incident the worst in recent times'
A serious incident has struck a Canadian military base. The number of casualties remains unknown and the situation is described as delicate and evolving.
ANSA·
Trump: 'Freezing new sanctions on Russia is an excellent decision'
Trump approves freezing new sanctions against Russia, considering it a positive choice for the country and the world overall.
BBC News·
Deaths confirmed in major fire at Canada military base
A major fire has broken out at a military base in Alberta. The number of casualties remains unknown in what the defence minister describes as a 'very, very active and delicate' situation.
The Guardian·
‘I felt disgusted’: MEP speaks out over nude deepfakes and urges EU action
Austrian MEP Lena Schilling has spoken out about non-consensual nude deepfake videos and called for EU action. A report found that one in six female MEPs have been targeted by sexualised AI-generated content.
The Guardian·
‘4,000 people minding our own business’: four decades on, Falklands again face a hostile Argentina
With polls declining, Argentina's president is making economic attacks on Falkland Islands' oil industry and threatening its key fisheries sector. Tensions remain high four decades after the conflict.
The Guardian·
Is sisterhood the secret to a long life? The Sardinian village that could hold key to women’s longevity
Bolotana, a mountain village in central Sardinia, is set to become the world's sixth 'blue zone' due to its high number of female centenarians. Sisters Giovanna (101) and Mariangela (99) Marras exemplify this remarkable phenomenon.
The Guardian·
Indigenous woman shackled to hospital bed while in labour in Queensland
An incarcerated Indigenous woman was shackled to a hospital bed during labour in Queensland. The birth occurred days before Labor and Coalition blocked a bill to ban this barbaric practice.
ANSA·
Canada: 'Tragic military base fire, there are deaths and injuries'
A tragic fire struck a Canadian military base causing deaths and injuries. Strong winds contributed to the spread of flames and the cause remains unknown.
News stories belong to their respective publishers. Summaries and headline translations are generated automatically with AI: the original article, linked from each headline, is the authoritative source.