UStrive fixes security lapse exposing user data
UStrive has remediated a security lapse that exposed the personal information of at least 238,000 users, including children, via a vulnerable Amazon-hosted GraphQL endpoint.
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Apps & Consumer
889 storiesICE becomes one of the most-blocked accounts on Bluesky
ICE has become the No. 3 most-blocked account on Bluesky following its verification, highlighting growing tension between the platform and its user base.
Setapp Mobile to shut down in the EU
MacPaw is shutting down its Setapp Mobile store in the EU by February 16, 2026, citing complex business terms related to Apple’s fee structure.
Netflix launches global live voting feature for interactive shows
Netflix is launching a global live voting feature, allowing subscribers to interact with live content in real time using their TV remotes or mobile devices.
Threads surpasses X in daily mobile usage, data shows
Similarweb data suggests Threads has surpassed X in daily mobile usage, though X maintains a significant lead in web traffic.
TikTok expands into standalone microdrama apps with PineDrama
TikTok has launched PineDrama, a standalone app for one-minute microdramas in the U.S. and Brazil, targeting a market projected to reach $26 billion by 2030.
OpenAI begins testing ads in ChatGPT free and Go tiers
OpenAI is testing targeted ads in its free and Go ChatGPT tiers in the U.S., a move that seems aimed at generating revenue while maintaining answer independence.
X suffers second major outage this week
X is experiencing its second large-scale outage this week, with nearly 80,000 reports of service disruptions amid ongoing scrutiny over its AI chatbot, Grok.
YouTube relaxes monetization rules for controversial content
YouTube is updating its advertiser-friendly guidelines to allow more dramatized content on sensitive topics to earn full ad revenue, excluding specific categories like child abuse.
Bluesky rolls out stock cashtags and live streaming badges
Bluesky is adding cashtags and Twitch streaming badges, features that could potentially help the platform capitalize on a recent surge in U.S. app installs.
The rise of micro apps: non-developers are building their own software
Driven by AI advancements, non-developers are increasingly building personal micro apps for niche needs, though these tools still face challenges regarding distribution and security.
Wikimedia expands commercial data access for AI firms
The Wikimedia Foundation has signed new partnerships with several AI companies, allowing them to access Wikipedia data via its commercial Wikimedia Enterprise product.
Spotify raises U.S. subscription prices for third time in three years
Spotify has raised its U.S. subscription price to $12.99, marking its third increase in three years as analysts predict the hike could boost revenue by $500 million.
Netflix expands video podcast slate to challenge YouTube
Netflix is increasing its investment in original video podcasts, launching new shows with Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin to challenge YouTube’s dominance in the space.
Mobile app spending climbs 21.6% despite five-year download decline
Appfigures reports global mobile app downloads fell 2.7% in 2025, yet consumer spending climbed 21.6% to an estimated $155.8 billion, driven by subscriptions and in-app purchases.
Digg launches public beta to challenge Reddit
Digg is launching its open beta to the public, aiming to address social media toxicity through new verification tools and community-led moderation.
Bandcamp bans AI-generated music from its platform
Bandcamp is banning AI-generated music and audio from its platform, citing a desire to ensure fans that music on the site is created by humans.
YouTube adds new parental controls for Shorts
YouTube is rolling out new parental controls internationally, allowing parents to set time limits, block Shorts, and manage reminders for children’s accounts.
Tesla to end one-time purchases for Full Self-Driving software
Tesla will stop selling its Full Self-Driving software for a one-time fee on February 14, shifting to a subscription-only model that could impact its legal and financial standing.
VoiceRun raises $5.5M to build a voice agent factory
VoiceRun raised a $5.5 million seed round led by Flybridge Capital to scale its developer-focused platform for building voice agents using code.