AI news daily: what changed on October 15, 2026

1. Figma announces new features to define how agents work on its platform

Figma has introduced new features to establish guidelines for how AI agents function on its platform. The company is also making its code layers feature available in open beta. The code layers tool allows users to view and edit code alongside design elements. These updates aim to improve collaboration between designers and developers. The specific details about agent capabilities or technical specifications were not provided. Figma did not mention timelines for broader release or additional features. The company emphasized enhancing workflow integration through these tools. The open beta phase is now accessible to users.

Source: TechCrunch AI

2. Ricursive Intelligence is betting on AI-designed chips to help solve the compute crisis

Ricursive Intelligence, a startup, is developing AI capable of designing chips, learning from each iteration, and enhancing subsequent designs. The company aims to automate and accelerate the chip design process. Founders described the AI's ability to refine designs through repeated cycles of testing and improvement. The startup focuses on addressing challenges in chip development by integrating machine learning into design workflows. No specific performance metrics or release dates were mentioned in the summary. The approach emphasizes reducing time and resources required for traditional chip design methods. The company's efforts align with broader industry goals to improve compute efficiency. Further details about the AI's capabilities or partnerships remain undisclosed.

Source: TechCrunch AI

3. Gudea leverages AI to help organizations prevent social media crises before they erupt

Gudea, an internet crisis monitoring service, uses AI to detect potential social media controversies before they escalate. The company tracks how online conversations and rumors spread globally. It focuses on identifying posts that could trigger larger public issues, such as AI-generated misinformation, hate speech, or damaging rumors. Gudea describes itself as a "storm tracker for the internet," aiming to help organizations address risks early. The tool analyzes real-time data to flag harmful content trends. Its goal is to prevent crises by providing early warnings to businesses and institutions. The company emphasizes proactive monitoring as a key strategy for managing online reputational risks.

Source: TechCrunch AI

4. McKinsey is making job applicants spar with a fake AI client

McKinsey & Company is testing an AI simulation during interviews for entry-level roles, requiring candidates to engage in a 10-minute conversation with a simulated client. The tool is designed to mimic 80% of typical scenarios encountered by consultants in their work. The Wall Street Journal reported that the AI aims to assess candidates' communication and problem-solving skills. The simulation is part of a broader effort to evaluate practical abilities during the hiring process. McKinsey has not disclosed specific details about the AI's development or deployment timeline. The firm is known for using innovative methods in recruitment. This approach reflects growing interest in AI tools for talent assessment. The initiative is still in the testing phase.

Source: The Verge AI

5. Flock CEO says its microphones detect 'just gunshots' - its website says different

Flock's CEO stated that the company's microphones are designed to detect "just gunshots," according to a report. The company's website previously described the technology as capable of identifying "gunfire, explosions, and other loud noises." This discrepancy emerged as Flock faces increased scrutiny from privacy advocates, including the ACLU, and public concerns about potential misuse of its technology. The CEO's remarks were made amid questions about the accuracy and scope of the devices' capabilities. Flock has not provided further details on the technology's specifications or deployment. The conflict highlights tensions between the company's public messaging and its internal claims. Privacy groups have raised alarms about the risks of false positives or overreach in surveillance applications. No official statement has been released addressing the inconsistency.

Source: TechCrunch AI

6. Eight states sue OpenAI, saying ChatGPT isn't safe for kids

Eight US states have filed lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging the company failed to ensure ChatGPT's safety for children and misled users about its risks. The lawsuits, initiated by Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, and Montana, claim OpenAI prioritized profits over safety measures. The states argue ChatGPT's design poses harm to minors despite known risks. No specific details about the product's capabilities or financial penalties were provided in the summary. The legal actions follow earlier reports by Reuters about the allegations. OpenAI has not yet responded to the lawsuits. The cases highlight growing regulatory scrutiny of AI tools' impact on public safety. The outcome could influence future regulations for AI development and deployment.

Source: The Verge AI

7. The AI race is back on

Last week, Anthropic and OpenAI appeared to dominate the AI race with advanced models that outperformed competitors. Google faced challenges in keeping pace, while Meta struggled to solidify its position despite significant investments. The article highlights the growing competition among major tech firms in AI development. No specific models or metrics were mentioned in the summary. The focus remained on the shifting dynamics between companies. Anthropic and OpenAI were positioned as current leaders. Google and Meta were described as trailing in the race. The piece suggests the AI landscape remains highly competitive.

Source: The Verge AI

8. Now that Character.AI is going bankrupt, what happens to all of its users' data?

New York Attorney General Letitia James led a multi-state investigation into Character.AI, which is now seeking data protection measures during its bankruptcy process. Over 40 bipartisan state attorneys general filed a notice of interest in the bankruptcy case to highlight regulatory concerns. The investigation focused on how consumer data was handled, particularly data sold by the company. The bankruptcy proceeding includes efforts to address potential violations of consumer protection laws. The AGs' involvement signals ongoing scrutiny of data practices during the company's financial collapse. No specific details about user data retention or transfer were provided in the summary. The case remains under review as part of the legal process.

Source: The Verge AI

9. YouTube Music launches new labels as AI-generated music floods streaming platforms

YouTube Music has introduced new labels to identify tracks involving AI-generated content. The labels appear on the player page and indicate songs created entirely by AI or those with AI contributions to composition or vocals. The move addresses the increasing presence of AI-generated music on streaming platforms. The labels aim to clarify the role of AI in music production. No specific details about AI tools or quantities of content were provided. The initiative reflects efforts to manage transparency as AI music grows in popularity. The next steps for YouTube Music include implementing the labeling system across its platform.

Source: TechCrunch AI

10. YouTube sticks new labels on AI-generated songs

YouTube is introducing a "Made with AI" label for music tracks that were "altered or fully generated" using AI tools. The policy mirrors YouTube's existing approach for labeling AI-generated videos. The label applies to tracks where AI significantly modifies or creates content, but it is not specified whether all AI-assisted music will receive this designation. YouTube has not outlined exact criteria for determining which tracks qualify. The move aims to increase transparency for users about the origin of music content. Further details about implementation or exceptions were not provided in the announcement.

Source: The Verge AI