Net News Today — July 23, 2026

As we navigate the complexities of our increasingly digital lives, it's becoming clear that users are seeking alternatives to traditional social media platforms and their algorithm-driven, ad-heavy models. This is evident in the recent funding round of Yope, which has raised $12.3M to build a private social network that eschews algorithms and ads in favor of a more personalized and user-centric approach. Meanwhile, investors are taking notice of companies like Anthropic, which is gaining traction not just due to its AI model, but also thanks to its thoughtful approach to development and deployment, as explained by Menlo Ventures' Matt Murphy.

However, as we continue to rely on digital technologies to manage our personal and professional lives, we're also exposing ourselves to new risks and vulnerabilities. The rise of ransomware attacks is a stark reminder of the dangers of cybercrime, with hackers often returning to demand more from their victims if their initial demands are met. In response, companies like Samsung are focusing on developing more secure and reliable devices, such as the new Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, which boast impressive battery life and advanced features. As we move forward in this rapidly evolving landscape, it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments and innovations that are shaping the future of technology and our digital lives.

Today's signal:
• Yope raises $12.3M to build a private social network without algorithms or ads (techcrunch.com)
• Menlo Ventures’ Matt Murphy explains why Anthropic is winning (and it’s not the model) (techcrunch.com)
• If you pay a hacker’s ransom, chances are that they’ll come back for more (techcrunch.com)
• Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 bet big on battery (theverge.com)