CEO's of big tech join AI safety panel and Apple deletes WhatsApp from China app store 🍏

Monday is here, which means welcome (back) to Product Scoop, renamed from Research Scoop. We’re the newsletter delivering news, insights, and analysis into the tech sector. Don’t forget, we got the scoops.

Without further ado, here’s your scoop below👇

🤝 CEO’s of OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft join AI Safety Panel

• The U.S. government has enlisted advice from leading artificial intelligence companies on using AI technology to protect critical infrastructure like airlines and utilities, especially against AI-driven attacks. The Department of Homeland Security announced Friday that the advisory panel will include CEOs from major companies, including Sundar Pichai from Google, Satya Nadella from Microsoft, and Sam Altman from OpenAI. Read more

🍏 Apple deletes WhatsApp and Threads from China app store

• Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China in compliance with an order from the country’s internet regulator, citing national security concerns. An Apple spokesperson acknowledged the necessity to follow local laws, even when there are disagreements, stating that the Cyberspace Administration of China mandated the removal based on these concerns. Read more

📈 Google stock surges after stock buyback

• Alphabet, Google's parent company, experienced a significant surge in its stock price after announcing its first-ever quarterly cash dividend alongside a massive $70 billion share buyback. The dividend, set at $0.20 per share, will be paid out on June 17 to shareholders of record as of June 10. Read more

🏀 Stream NBA games on Amazon in 2025

• Amazon is entering a major streaming deal with the NBA, reportedly finalizing an agreement that would allow the tech giant to stream NBA games for at least ten years starting in the 2025-26 season. This move represents a significant expansion of Amazon's sports streaming portfolio, which already includes NFL's Thursday Night Football and live coverage from various leagues and teams. Read more