Friday newspaper round-up: Anthropic, BBC, crypto investors

(Sharecast News) - A clampdown on "rogue bailiffs" has been launched by Andy Burnham amid concerns that vulnerable people are being overcharged and face aggressive behaviour. In the latest in a series of "everyday fixes" to ease the cost of living and "make Britain fairer", the prime minister said he was strengthening the rules that apply to bailiffs in England and Wales to better protect people in debt. He also announced measures to target "cowboy" tradespeople, including builders who rip off homeowners. - Guardian

A US federal judge ruled Thursday that sanctions imposed in February by the Trump administration against AI giant Anthropic were illegal, finding that the government had punished the artificial intelligence company for publicly criticising the Pentagon. "The empty invocation of national security is not a blank check to punish and retaliate against government critics," Judge Rita Lin said in a 59-page decision. - Guardian

The BBC is "screwed" unless its licence fee funding model is replaced, Amol Rajan has said. The outgoing Today programme presenter said the broadcaster's finances were "much worse than people realise" because of a steep decline in licence fee revenue. Matt Brittin, the BBC's new director general, has outlined plans to slash 550 roles and close programmes as part of a broader cost-cutting drive that could lead to around 2,000 people - or 10pc of the workforce - losing their jobs. - Telegraph

Hundreds of British crypto investors booked capital gains of more than £1 million in the last tax year, new figures show, as the rally in digital assets helped to create a new wave of crypto millionaires. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) said that total taxable capital gains from cryptoassets were £1.38 billion in the year to April 2025 with the gains split across 17,600 individuals, while 240 investors, who gained more than a £1 million, accounted for £717 million of gains. - The Times

The testimony of the former Barclays boss Jes Staley was questioned on multiple occasions as the banker gave evidence to a US congressional committee on his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Staley, whose ties to Epstein ultimately saw him exit Barclays, was accused of not being "entirely honest" as he answered questions from a House of Representatives committee investigating the affairs of the late sex offender. - The Times