Tech News Today — July 24, 2026

As we dive into today's tech news, a common thread emerges - the intersection of innovation and access. European researchers are facing hurdles in their quest to study the negative impacts of social media, hindered by a lack of access to crucial data. Meanwhile, in the world of startups, a panel of judges is gearing up to crown Australia's next big thing, highlighting the importance of opportunities and resources for emerging companies. This narrative of access and innovation is also reflected in the edtech space, where a platform has raised $4.5 million to teach students how to code, democratizing access to vital skills.

The theme of access and innovation continues with Google's latest move, allowing users to sign in with a selfie video, showcasing the company's commitment to making its services more accessible and user-friendly. Additionally, the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 promises to be a hub for innovation and connection, with a backstage pass waiting for attendees. However, not all innovations are without controversy, as experts weigh in on the capabilities of Anthropic's Fable, highlighting the complexities of AI development and the need for transparency. As we explore these stories and more, we're reminded that the tech world is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve requires a deep understanding of the latest developments and advancements.

Today's signal:
• European researchers want to study social media’s harms but can’t get the data (wired.com)
• Meet the judges who will crown Australia’s next breakout startup (techcrunch.com)
• Google will now let you sign in to your account with a selfie video (techcrunch.com)
• Edtech platform raises $4.5M to help teach students how to vibe code (techcrunch.com)
• Your backstage pass to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is waiting (techcrunch.com)
• Experts say exploiting Anthropic’s Fable isn’t how Kimi K3 got so good (techcrunch.com)