World Business Report

Millions of hacking attempts have been detected after a major security flaw was discovered in PHP. We hear from the cybersecurity firm behind the discovery and a business whose website remains offline.

Also, Electronic Arts shuts down BioWare after 31 years, cutting 400 jobs.

And Airbnb is banning lengthy checkout chores for guests.

Presenter: Luke Wilson

A New Mexico judge has fined Meta for its handling of user data. It's the latest large legal payout for the tech firm, following an $18 billion settlement reached with California over child safety, and comes as it releases its latest financial results.

Vulnerabilities in the PHP programming language have led to websites being down in several countries, including Japan, Finland and the UK. Around seven in 10 of the world's websites use PHP. Is this a new era of cyber insecurity and instability? ​

And a BBC investigation finds that employees from Google have resigned due to the use of AI for military technologies. We hear from one former employee.

Presenter: Luke Wilson

(Photo: Meta logo and a keyboard in this illustration taken October 19, 2026. Credit: REUTERS / Dado Ruvic)

India telecoms company Jio Platforms has launched what is expected to be the country’s biggest ever share sale. The company, which is part of Reliance Industries and backed by India’s second richest man, Mukesh Ambani, aims to raise around $3.2bn in its initial public offering (IPO).

Also, protests in Portugal over housing affordability spill on to the streets. And why Starbucks China has run out of patience with customers who take a seat…but not a coffee.

Presenter: Leanna Byrne

With two weeks until the US midterm elections, Luke Wilson examines how rising living costs could influence voters and what the latest economic figures reveal.

Also, Netflix reports its latest results after a difficult few months marked by job cuts and executive departures.

And could Africa's economy grow faster than China's for the first time in decades?

Presenter: Luke Wilson

(Picture:Two women stand beside a golf cart decorated with American flags during a Republican voter turnout event ahead of the midterm elections in The Villages, Florida, US, October 18, 2026. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona)

French lawmakers are continuing their scrutiny of next year's budget as the country reels from days of violent unrest. What began as protests over the cost of living and conditions in schools has escalated into some of the worst rioting France has seen in years.Thousands of people have been arrested, businesses have been looted and buildings set alight.

We hear why the boss of one of the world’s biggest airlines - Ryanair - predicts the cost of flights will increase by up to 20% next year.

And the people of oil rich Alberta have decided whether to stick with Canada.

Presenter: Leanna Byrne

Around 2,000 businesses have been affected by riots and looting across France. We hear from those caught up in the unrest and examine the economic impact.

Also, can Europe's biggest mobile operators build a rival to Elon Musk's Starlink?

And Saudi Arabia postpones a major investment conference as Houthi attacks disrupt business in the kingdom.

Presenter: Andrew Peach

(Picture: Masked protesters stand next to burning bicycles amid clashes during a demonstration against the cost of living and rising fuel prices near the Place de la Republique in Paris as part of nationwide protests called by the "Yellow Vests" movement, joined by French high school and university students, teachers and parents demanding better school conditions and government action, as well as labour unions, workers, farmers and retirees, France, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor/File Photo)

The world's second largest economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter, but worries persist in China over weak spending at home.

Presenter: Leanna Byrne

Jean-Claude Trichet , former president of the European Central Bank, joins the programme to discuss economic stability. We hear his thoughts on the student protests in France and that country's fiscal struggles. Should the ECB intervene or can France sort this out on its own?

And voters in the U.S. are worried about housing, polls suggest. But what role will it play in shaping the midterms? One researcher joins us to explain the issues and races.

Elizabeth Holmes allowed a filmmaker into her home before she went to prison. We speak to a critic on the documentary, a result of three years' work, that is out now.

Presenter: Will Bain

(Picture: A protester holds a placard reading "Bismillah c'est les tenebres" (Bismillah, it's darkness) during a demonstration by French high school and university students in Nantes as part of a nationwide protest movement led by students, supported by teachers, school parents and labour unions, demanding better school conditions and concrete measures, France, October 13, 2026. Credit: REUTERS / Stephane Mahe)

Shares in Tesla have climbed after Elon Musk's carmaker launched its new 'flying' Roadster car.

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels, with its two biggest members - France and Germany - calling for tougher action against Chinese imports, particularly chemicals and plastics.

And violent clashes between police and protestors are entering their fourth day in the Albanian capital, Tirana, as protests against poor education facilities, rising living costs and alleged government corruption continue.

Presenter: Luke Wilson

Tesla is set to show off its latest EV, the Roadster, nearly nine years after it first unveiled the next-generation version of the electric sports car. We'll be hearing if Tesla's bet on an ultra luxury sportscar will pay off.

It's another bumpy day for tech stocks as investors question who will pay for the AI spending boom.

And why bold flavours such as Tequila ’Rita, Chilli Mango and Watermelon Smash are proving a hit for an alcohol industry under pressure.

Presenter: Will Bain

(Picture: The silhouette of Elon Musk and Tesla logo are seen in this illustration taken. Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)