TechCrunch Top 3

Hackers who exposed North Korean government hacker explain why they did it: The two self-described hacktivists said they had access to the North Korean spy's computer for around four months before deciding what they had found should be made public. Read More

Gas power plants approved for Meta's $10B data center, and not everyone is happy: Meta's massive data center will draw power from three gas-fired power plants producing 2.25 gigawatts. Read More

Microsoft AI chief says it's 'dangerous' to study AI consciousness: As AI chatbots surge in popularity, Mustafa Suleyman argues that it's dangerous to consider how these systems could be conscious. Read More

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Afternoon Must-Reads

Ecosia has offered to take 'stewardship' of Chrome. And it's not a bad idea.: Berlin-based nonprofit search engine Ecosia has asked a U.S. judge to turn Chrome into a foundation it controls, funding billions in climate projects. Read More

Struggling fusion power company General Fusion gets $22M lifeline from investors: General Fusion pleaded for new funding in May after it laid off 25% of its staff. The new round buys it precious months to pursue its scientific milestones. Read More

StrictlyVC at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Inside the LP Track: In an era of extended exit timelines, slowed distributions, and increasingly selective LPs, the conversations behind closed doors matter more than ever. Read More

Report: Meta is hitting pause on AI hiring after its poaching spree: The freeze went into effect last week, and it's not clear how long it will last, The Journal's sources say. Meta is still likely working through its reorg, which split its AI unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs, into four new groups: TBD Labs, run by former Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang, and three groups focused on research, product integration, and infrastructure, respectively. Read More

iPhone 17, the 'thinnest iPhone ever,' and everything else we're expecting out of Apple's hardware event: From a new slim iPhone Air model to redesigned AirPods, here's what to expect from this year's Apple event. Read More

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Last but Not Least

Google's AI Mode expands globally, adds new agentic features: As part of the expansion, Google is bringing AI Mode to 180 new countries in English. Read More