Microsoft Acknowledges Problems, China Powers Up Underwater AI Data Center

Stolen GitHub Token Grants Hackers Access to Grafana Codebase

  • Hackers used a stolen GitHub token to access and download Grafana codebase.
  • Attackers attempted extortion by demanding payment to withhold publication.
  • Grafana revoked the token, added safeguards, and confirmed no customer data loss.

USA, May 18 (TNGB) – Grafana Labs disclosed that an unauthorized party obtained a GitHub token and used it to access the company environment before downloading portions of the private codebase. The firm detected the activity through a canary token alert and quickly invalidated the credential. Attackers then tried to extort payment to prevent release of the stolen material. Company representatives stated that customer data stayed untouched throughout the event and that additional security controls were implemented immediately afterward.

Effective credential monitoring and rapid revocation remain essential defenses against targeted access to development repositories.

Why This Matters: Credential compromises in widely used developer platforms can expose core intellectual property even when customer information stays protected.

Microsoft Acknowledges Problems Installing Latest Windows 11 Security Updates

  • Microsoft confirmed installation failures for the May 2026 Windows 11 security update.
  • Errors such as 0x800f0922 appeared on affected devices during the process.
  • A server-side fix using Known Issue Rollback began rolling out to resolve the problems.

USA, May 18 (TNGB) – Microsoft confirmed that the May 2026 security update identified as KB5089549 encountered installation failures on some Windows 11 systems running versions 24H2 and 25H2. Users reported errors including 0x800f0922 linked to insufficient space on the EFI System Partition or related storage constraints. The company activated a Known Issue Rollback mechanism delivered through server-side updates to mitigate the issue automatically on many devices. Restarting affected machines can accelerate application of the corrective measures in certain cases.

Storage limitations on protected system partitions continue to create friction during routine security update deployments.

Why This Matters: Failed security updates leave devices exposed longer and complicate maintenance for both individual users and managed environments.

Canadian Minister Accuses Apple Meta and Signal of Misinterpreting Surveillance Bill

  • Canada’s Public Safety Minister accused Apple, Meta, and Signal of misinterpreting the surveillance bill.
  • Companies warned the legislation could require encryption backdoors or force service changes.
  • The minister maintained that the firms misunderstood the bill’s intended scope and requirements.

OTTAWA, May 18 (TNGB) – Canada’s Public Safety Minister stated that Apple, Meta, and Signal misinterpret provisions in a proposed surveillance bill aimed at expanding investigative access to communications data. Apple argued the measure would compel encryption backdoors while Signal indicated it might exit the Canadian market entirely if passed. Meta described the requirements as turning platforms into extensions of government monitoring capabilities. The minister countered that the companies failed to read the text accurately and overstated its reach into encrypted services.

Legislation addressing law enforcement access to digital communications requires precise drafting to avoid broad technical and business disruptions.

Why This Matters: Disputes over encryption access rules can influence whether major platforms continue operating in specific jurisdictions or alter product designs.

China Activates 24 MW Underwater AI Data Center Near Shanghai

  • China started full operations at a 24 MW underwater AI data center off Shanghai.
  • The facility draws power from offshore wind and uses seawater for cooling.
  • The design targets lower energy use and higher efficiency for dense AI workloads.

SHANGHAI, May 18 (TNGB) – Chinese operators activated a 24 MW underwater data center located off the coast of Shanghai to support artificial intelligence computing demands. The installation relies on offshore wind generation for power and seawater circulation for cooling to cut energy consumption compared with traditional land-based facilities. Engineers positioned the submerged structure to leverage natural marine conditions for thermal management. This project forms part of ongoing national efforts to scale AI infrastructure while addressing power and environmental constraints in high-density computing regions.

Underwater facilities offer one approach to managing the growing power and cooling needs of advanced AI systems through natural resource integration.

Why This Matters: Innovative siting and cooling strategies can ease pressure on land resources and grid capacity as AI workloads expand rapidly.

Exploit Released for DirtyDecrypt Linux Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

  • Researchers published an exploit for the DirtyDecrypt Linux root escalation flaw.
  • The vulnerability allows privilege elevation on unpatched systems under specific conditions.
  • Administrators received guidance to apply available patches without delay.

USA, May 18 (TNGB) – Security researchers made public an exploit targeting the DirtyDecrypt vulnerability that enables root-level privilege escalation on vulnerable Linux systems. The flaw affects configurations where certain conditions permit unauthorized elevation from standard user accounts. Affected distributions include multiple enterprise and desktop variants that have not received updates. Maintainers and system administrators were advised to review patch availability and apply fixes promptly to close the exposure.

Public release of working exploits increases urgency for organizations to maintain current patch levels across server fleets.

Why This Matters: Timely patching of privilege escalation flaws prevents attackers from gaining elevated control after initial access on Linux environments.

London Police Deploy Live Facial Recognition at Protest for First Time

  • London police used live facial recognition technology during a protest event.
  • The deployment represented the first reported use of the system in such a setting.
  • Civil liberties organizations raised immediate questions about privacy and oversight.

LONDON, May 18 (TNGB) – Metropolitan Police in London activated live facial recognition cameras at a protest for the first time according to monitoring groups. Officers scanned participants in real time and cross-referenced matches against existing watch lists during the demonstration. The action prompted swift statements from privacy advocates who questioned the legal basis, proportionality, and potential for broader future application. Police officials described the tool as a targeted measure to support public safety and identify individuals subject to prior orders.

Expanded use of real-time biometric identification in public gatherings raises ongoing questions about balancing security objectives with privacy protections.

Why This Matters: First-time deployment of live facial recognition at protests sets precedents that can shape future policing practices and public expectations around surveillance.

Microsoft Experiments with Customizable Taskbar and Start Menu in Windows 11

  • Microsoft began testing adjustable taskbar and Start menu features in Windows 11.
  • Preview users can modify positioning, size, and select interactive behaviors.
  • The changes respond to long-standing requests for greater interface flexibility.

USA, May 18 (TNGB) – Microsoft introduced experimental options in Windows 11 preview builds that permit users to adjust taskbar positioning, sizing, and certain Start menu behaviors. The updates allow more personalization of core desktop elements that have remained relatively fixed in recent versions. Feedback from participants in the Insider program will help determine which adjustments advance to wider release. The effort addresses repeated user feedback about limited customization in the current interface design.

Greater user control over fundamental interface elements can improve daily productivity and satisfaction with the operating system.

Why This Matters: Interface flexibility options help accommodate diverse workflows and reduce friction for users who prefer tailored desktop layouts.

Google Messages Advances Toward Supporting RCS Video Calls

  • Google Messages added early support for video calls over RCS.
  • The feature extends rich communication services beyond text and media sharing.
  • Broader availability depends on carrier and device adoption of compatible standards.

USA, May 18 (TNGB) – Google Messages rolled out initial capabilities for conducting video calls using RCS protocols in recent client updates. The addition builds on existing rich communication services that already support enhanced messaging features across participating networks. Carriers and handset manufacturers must implement matching server and client support before the function reaches most users. Testing continues to refine call quality, reliability, and cross-platform consistency.

Standardized rich communication features can deliver more consistent experiences when networks and devices achieve widespread compatibility.

Why This Matters: Progress toward video calling in standard messaging apps can reduce reliance on separate proprietary platforms for basic real-time communication.

Dutch Police Public Shaming Prompts Most Wanted Scammers to Surrender

  • Dutch police reported success with a public shaming campaign against top scammers.
  • Several most-wanted individuals turned themselves in following media exposure.
  • The initiative combined public notices with direct appeals to increase pressure on fugitives.

AMSTERDAM, May 18 (TNGB) – Dutch authorities credited a public shaming campaign with prompting multiple high-priority scammers to surrender to law enforcement. Police published names, images, and case details through traditional media and online channels to raise visibility and encourage cooperation. Several targets reportedly contacted authorities after the exposure increased personal and professional consequences. Officials described the approach as an effective supplement to conventional investigative methods for resolving long-standing cases.

Public dissemination of information about wanted individuals can accelerate case resolutions when combined with offers of cooperation.

Why This Matters: Creative accountability measures can complement traditional enforcement and encourage voluntary compliance in financial crime investigations.

South Korea’s LetinAR Develops Optics Technology for AI Smart Glasses

  • LetinAR advances compact optics designs intended for AI-enabled smart glasses.
  • The components target high-quality visual overlays in lightweight wearable formats.
  • Development focuses on field of view, power efficiency, and integration challenges.

SEOUL, May 18 (TNGB) – South Korean company LetinAR progresses on specialized optics modules designed for integration into AI-powered smart glasses. The technology aims to deliver clear augmented overlays while keeping devices compact and suitable for extended wear. Engineers address constraints around display quality, power draw, and overall form factor to support practical daily use. Potential partnerships with device makers could accelerate movement from prototype to commercial products.

Advances in compact optics support the development of wearable AI devices that provide useful information without excessive size or weight.

Why This Matters: Practical optics improvements help make wearable AI interfaces viable for broader consumer and professional applications.