Several tech companies have recently faced significant challenges, including data breaches, talent departures, and regulatory scrutiny, according to reports from TechCrunch. Airbnb announced it is increasingly relying on AI for customer support, while fintech lending giant Figure Technology and sex toy maker Tenga confirmed data breaches. Additionally, the Securities and Exchange Commission closed its investigation into the bankrupt electric vehicle startup Fisker.
Airbnb revealed that its custom-built AI agent is now handling approximately one-third of its customer support issues in North America, with plans for a global rollout. CEO Brian Chesky stated during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call that the company believes AI will significantly improve the quality of service and reduce costs. If successful, Airbnb anticipates that over 30% of its total customer support tickets will be managed by AI voice and chat within a year, in all languages where human customer service agents are employed.
Figure Technology, a blockchain-based lending company, confirmed a data breach stemming from a social engineering attack on an employee. According to a statement from Figure spokesperson Alethea Jadick, the breach allowed hackers to steal a limited number of files. The company is communicating with affected partners and individuals, offering free credit monitoring. The hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility, stating the company refused to pay a ransom, and published 2.5 gigabytes of allegedly stolen data.
Sex toy maker Tenga notified customers of a data breach after an unauthorized party gained access to an employee's professional email account. The breach potentially exposed customer names, email addresses, and historical email correspondence, including order details and customer service inquiries. The company also reported that the hacker sent spam emails to the hacked employee's contacts. Tenga did not respond to requests for further comment.
In other news, the Securities and Exchange Commission closed its investigation into the bankrupt electric vehicle startup Fisker last September, according to a Freedom of Information Act request. The SEC revealed the existence of the probe in an October 2024 filing in Fisker's bankruptcy case. The agency stated that it had identified approximately 21.7 gigabytes of electronically maintained records related to the investigation.
Finally, the AI industry is experiencing a talent exodus. Several AI companies are facing departures, including xAI, where half of the founding team has left. OpenAI is also undergoing internal changes, including the disbanding of its mission alignment team and the firing of a policy executive.
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