Tech News Digest: Thursday, 28 May 2026

Today in tech, we are tracking a major security lapse affecting UK visa applicants and a series of massive shifts in how AI is reshaping search and social media. From the automation of global payroll to granular new tools for creators, it is a busy Thursday for digital professionals in the UK.

UK Visa Portal exposes sensitive applicant data

A third-party website used for UK visa applications has reportedly leaked the passports, selfies, and location data of thousands of applicants. This security breach is particularly concerning for those navigating the Home Office system, highlighting the ongoing risks when critical government infrastructure is outsourced to external providers.

Google AI Search changes the SEO game forever

Following the latest updates from Google I/O, AI-generated answers have officially taken centre stage in search results, effectively breaking traditional SEO strategies. For UK businesses and digital marketers, this marks a shift towards a new era of 'AI visibility' where traditional web traffic may become much harder to capture without adapting to these new models.

Meta rolls out global subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp

Meta is launching paid subscription plans worldwide, with promises of exclusive AI features and business tools to follow. This move signals a significant change in the social media landscape as the company looks to monetise its massive AI investments while offering users a way to bypass traditional ad-supported models.

Payroll giant Remote scales through automation

The payroll service provider Remote has hit $300 million in annual recurring revenue, growing its revenue per employee by 50% without adding to its headcount. It is a textbook example of how automation and software efficiency can drive massive growth, making it a key story for anyone interested in the future of work and lean business operations.

ElevenLabs introduces genre-swapping music AI

ElevenLabs has unveiled a new music-generation model that allows users to change the genre of specific sections of a track mid-stream. This tool is a fantastic development for content creators and those with creative side hustles, offering granular control over high-quality audio production without the need for a professional studio.

Thanks for reading—we’ll be back tomorrow with another update on the stories shaping our digital world.