AI coding platform Orchids was found to have a significant cybersecurity flaw, allowing a BBC reporter's laptop to be hijacked, while the developer of the multiplayer shooter game Highguard laid off staff just two weeks after its release. In other news, Tesco announced plans to extend Clubcard access to under-18s this year, and a porn site was fined £800,000 for age verification failings. Additionally, travel agents reported a rise in half-term holiday bookings due to the rainy January weather.
A BBC cyber correspondent discovered a major security risk in Orchids, a popular AI "vibe-coding" platform that allows users to build apps and games by typing text prompts. The reporter was able to have their laptop compromised, highlighting the potential dangers of allowing AI bots deep access to computers. Experts have expressed concern over the ease with which Orchids can be hacked, demonstrating the risks associated with these types of platforms.
In the gaming world, Wildlight Entertainment, the developer of the multiplayer shooter Highguard, confirmed layoffs just two weeks after the game's release. Highguard, which was first revealed at The Game Awards in December, struggled to retain players since its January launch, despite being created by industry veterans who worked on successful titles like Call of Duty.
Tesco revealed plans to make its Clubcard available to under-18s this year. The supermarket did not specify the reasons behind the decision or provide details on how it would work. This move follows campaigning from Which?, which urged supermarkets to lift restrictions on loyalty scheme access.
Meanwhile, the media regulator Ofcom fined porn company Kick Online Entertainment SA £800,000 for failing to implement proper age verification measures. The company did not have "highly effective" methods to check UK visitors were over 18, according to Ofcom. Kick Online Entertainment has since implemented age checks, but was not complying with the law between July and December 2025. Additionally, message board 4chan will be fined £520,000 for failing to comply with the UK's Online Safety Law, according to its lawyer, who says the company will not pay. Suzanne Cater, director of enforcement at Ofcom, said it was "non-negotiable" for adult sites to have highly effective age verification.
Finally, travel agents reported a 9% rise in February half-term holiday bookings compared to last year, attributing the increase to the gloomy weather in January and the political environment. Manchester Airport is expecting its busiest February half term on record, with almost 50,000 passengers flying out on Friday. Travelers heading to Europe are being warned of potential security delays due to the ongoing rollout of the European Entry Exit System.
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