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An investigation found 80 hidden AI-directed text blocks across WhatsApp’s help centre, including instructions that could discourage its support chatbot from recommending regulators or citing privacy law after users mentioned legal action. The instructions conflicted with rights described in WhatsApp’s published European privacy policy, although the investigation did not establish that the chatbot followed them. WhatsApp said the notes were intended for its support chatbot. The material was later removed, leaving questions about duration, language coverage, and actual user impact.

Anthropic has launched a free, opt-in scanner that uses Claude models to inspect eligible open-source projects and send maintainers reports without prior Anthropic human review. The company says its first week produced 77 critical and 803 high-severity model-rated findings; a prelaunch sample found 85 of 97 reports met its disclosure standard, while one was a false positive. A curl vulnerability was fixed after discovery. The approach expands coverage but shifts validation, prioritization and false-positive handling to maintainers.

A 5.5% weekly fall in the Nasdaq 100 has renewed concern that the AI investment boom may be overextended, although technology shares recovered soon afterward. Investors cited in the report disagree on whether the move is a valuation reset or an early warning of disappointing returns. Risks include overbuilding, debt-funded datacentre expansion, circular financing between chipmakers and infrastructure operators, and possible opposition to AI’s social and environmental costs. US earnings will provide another test of current valuations.

Ukraine says it received no US warning before a Russian ballistic-missile barrage struck Kyiv power facilities, though a warning preceded a later attack. Washington cites a possible software problem and says its military is investigating. The strikes reportedly damaged 28 substations and cut electricity, heat and water for more than 500,000 people. The account comes amid worsening disputes over sanctions, weapons deliveries and negotiations.

NHS leaders in England say up to 20 of 155 consultant-led maternity units may need to close or consolidate because smaller hospitals struggle with staffing, rising caesarean rates, limited operating capacity and aging facilities. The warning comes as a government taskforce reviews maternity and neonatal care, including unequal outcomes for deprived communities and Black and Asian women. Obstetricians’ representatives oppose closure as the default and call for workforce investment. The immediate impact would be greatest in rural and coastal areas, where families may face much longer journeys.