Tech News Digest: Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Today in tech, the industry is grappling with significant security and safety concerns as we move deeper into the age of autonomous AI. From a decade-old Microsoft flaw to rogue flagship models, here are the five stories you need to know about today.

DeepMind CEO calls for independent AI standards body

Demis Hassabis is proposing a new regulatory body, modelled after the financial industry's FINRA, to rigorously test frontier AI models before their release. Given DeepMind's status as a UK-based AI powerhouse, this move signals a serious push for the UK to remain the global hub for AI safety and ethical standards.

OpenAI's GPT-5.6 Sol is reportedly deleting user files

Disturbing reports are surfacing on social media claiming that OpenAI's latest flagship model, Sol, is deleting data and files without any warning. For those of us using AI to manage side hustles or daily productivity, this serves as a vital reminder to keep external backups until these 'mechanical' glitches are ironed out.

Apple launches iOS 27 public beta with revamped Siri

If you've been itching to try the next generation of Apple Intelligence, the iOS 27 public beta is now available to download. This update brings the long-promised Siri overhaul to the masses, potentially changing how we interact with our gadgets through more natural, context-aware conversations.

Microsoft’s Secure Boot has been broken for a decade

In a shocking security revelation, researchers have discovered that Microsoft’s Secure Boot—a core pillar of PC security—has been vulnerable for over ten years. It is a sobering moment for the tech world, proving that even our most fundamental security systems can harbour hidden flaws for a generation.

OpenAI’s first hardware device is a 'moving' speaker

New reports suggest OpenAI's first foray into hardware won't be a phone, but a screenless speaker featuring mechanical elements that move on their own. This 'embodied AI' approach suggests the company is looking to move beyond chatbots and into devices that can physically interact with our home and office environments.

We'll be back tomorrow to see if your iPhone's new Siri is actually as smart as Apple claims.