Happy ceasefire day and welcome to Regulator, a newsletter for Verge subscribers about Big Tech’s rocky journey through the world of politics. If you’re not a subscriber yet, you can do so here, but my only request is that you sign up before Donald Trump decides to revisit his previous threats toward Iran and kickstart World War III.
Technology
US targets Chinese robots over security fears
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to draw a clear line on where certain robots may operate in the United States. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) recently introduced legislation that would ban the federal government from using robots made by foreign adversaries, a category that includes China but can also apply to other designated countries.
The proposal, called the American Security Robotics Act, targets unmanned ground systems. That includes humanoid robots and remote-controlled surveillance machines. The concern is not just what these robots can do. It is what they could be doing behind the scenes. Lawmakers say these systems are already being marketed to U.S. research labs, universities, law enforcement agencies and even consumers.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
WHITE HOUSE UNVEILS ITS FIRST FEDERAL AI FRAMEWORK, PUSHES CONGRESS TO ACT ‘THIS YEAR’
Advanced humanoid robots like this from Unitree Robotics highlight how quickly the technology is evolving and why officials are raising data security concerns. (Unitree)
Why lawmakers say these robots pose a risk
According to statements from the lawmakers involved, the core issue is security. Schumer warned that Chinese robotics companies could embed hidden access points inside their systems. These so-called backdoors could allow unauthorized access to sensitive data or even enable remote control. Lawmakers warn that these systems could include hidden access points or be vulnerable to remote control. Schumer said, “The Chinese Communist Party has shown that they are willing to lie and cheat to get ahead at the expense of the American people and our national security. They are running their standard playbook, this time in robotics, trying to flood the U.S. market with their technology, which presents real security risks and threats to Americans’ privacy and American research and industry.”
He said the Chinese government has a track record of prioritizing its own strategic goals over transparency, raising concerns about how that approach could extend into robotics.
TOP AI FIRM ALLEGES CHINESE LABS USED 24K FAKE ACCOUNTS TO SIPHON US TECH
A humanoid robot from Unitree Robotics, similar to the systems lawmakers are scrutinizing over potential security risks in government use. (Unitree)
What the bill would actually do
The American Security Robotics Act focuses specifically on federal use. The bill targets countries designated as foreign adversaries, including Communist China, according to the lawmakers.
The legislation targets “unmanned ground vehicle systems,” including humanoid robots and autonomous patrol technologies used by federal agencies. If passed, it would block U.S. government agencies from purchasing or operating unmanned ground vehicles built by companies tied to foreign adversaries. That includes:
- Humanoid robots used in public-facing roles
- Remote surveillance robots
- Other automated ground systems used in government operations
It also blocks federal agencies from using these systems through contractors or funding their use through grants or agreements. Cotton said, “Robots made by Communist China threaten Americans’ privacy and our national security. Our bill will ban the federal government from buying and operating these devices made in countries that wish us harm.”
The operational ban would take effect one year after the law is enacted. The bill includes exceptions for national security, research, testing and certain law enforcement or intelligence activities under strict conditions.
The bill does not ban these products outright for consumers or private companies. Instead, it draws a boundary around government adoption where sensitive data and infrastructure are involved. Meanwhile, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is introducing a companion bill in the House, signaling coordinated support across both chambers of Congress.
The timing matters as robotics competition heats up
This legislation comes at a moment when China is rapidly advancing in robotics. Recent demonstrations in Beijing showcased a new generation of highly capable robots, highlighting how quickly the technology is evolving. That momentum has raised alarms in Washington about falling behind while also importing potential risks. Stefanik said, “We must continue to promote and propel America’s robotics superiority while safeguarding our privacy and national security from adversaries.“
At the same time, U.S. companies are pushing forward. One example came when a humanoid robot from Figure AI recently appeared at a White House education summit alongside First Lady Melania Trump. She suggested robots like these could eventually play a role in education, hinting at how deeply this technology could integrate into everyday life.
DEMOCRATS WARN TRUMP GREEN-LIGHTING NVIDIA AI CHIP SALES COULD BOOST CHINA’S MILITARY EDGE
Multiple humanoid robots developed by Unitree Robotics show the growing capabilities of foreign-made systems now entering global markets. (Unitree)
What this means for you
If you are not working inside the federal government, this bill will not directly affect what you can buy or use. Still, it signals something bigger. It does raise questions about how much access foreign-made devices could have to data inside your home or workplace. First, it shows that robotics is no longer just about convenience or innovation. It is now part of national security conversations. Second, it highlights growing concern about where your data goes when you interact with connected devices. That applies whether it is a robot, a smart home device or a surveillance system. Finally, it suggests that future restrictions could expand beyond government use if risks are confirmed or public concern grows.
Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?
Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com
Kurt’s key takeaways
This is not just about robots walking through offices or classrooms. It is about trust. Lawmakers are drawing attention to a question that has followed other technologies before. Who built it, and who might still have access to it after it is deployed? As robotics becomes more common in public spaces, homes and workplaces, those questions will only get louder. The technology is moving fast. Policy is trying to catch up.
Would you feel comfortable interacting with a humanoid robot if you did not know who ultimately controlled its data? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
I’m back after being waylaid last week by the deadly combo of a moderate cold and the beginning of pollen season. (Twenty-one percent of the District’s acreage is taken up by public green space, and DC is consistently ranked the best city park system in America. Unfortunately, I am allergic to every tree and grass.) If you’ve got tips on anything I may have missed or anything I should know about the upcoming weeks, send ’em to tina.nguyen+tips@theverge.com.
Do you actually believe anything OpenAI says?
On Monday, OpenAI published a 13-page policy paper addressing the impact that artificial intelligence would have on the American workforce. The company also proposed what it believed was the solution: putting higher capital gains taxes on corporations replacing their workers with AI and using that money to create a bigger public safety net. Its solutions included a public wealth fund, a four-day workweek funded by “efficiency dividends,” and government programs to help transition workers into “human-centered” work, all financed by the abundance that artificial intelligence would deliver.
Unfortunately, it was released the day that The New Yorker’s Ronan Farrow and Andrew Marantz published a meticulously reported, 17,000-word-plus article chronicling Sam Altman’s history of lying to everyone around him, including to his Silicon Valley backers, his employees, his board, and — relevant in this case — lawmakers trying to regulate AI. The New Yorker article reinforced a long-standing narrative about Altman, and OpenAI by extension: They may spout idealistic values, but would quickly jettison them for financial and political gains.
On its own, said several people I spoke to, the paper was a net positive to AI governance overall, in that it introduced new ideas into the political discourse around the emerging technology. But unless the company’s policy and political influence made good on those promises, said OpenAI’s critics, it may as well just be a piece of paper.
“My guess is that there are people on the team who care about the stuff, who’ve thought really hard about this document and are proud of it, and did good work, even if it’s not addressing all of the questions that I wish it would address,” Malo Bourgon, the CEO of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI), told me. “And there’s still the question of: Are those people gonna find themselves in the position that many previous people at OpenAI have found themselves in, where they thought the company had certain values or aligned with things they cared about, and then ended up finding out that wasn’t the case, becoming disenchanted and leaving?”
With OpenAI proposing policy, it’s worth looking back at its history with the government, which the New Yorker piece details in depth. Altman had been one of the first major CEOs to publicly advocate for federal oversight for AI, going so far as to propose a federal agency to oversee advanced models in 2023 — but privately he worked to suppress the laws containing his own safety proposals. A state legislative aide in California accused OpenAI of engaging in “increasingly cunning, deceptive behavior” to kill a 2023 AI safety bill that it was publicly supporting. In 2025, the company subpoenaed supporters of a California state-level AI bill in an effort to, as one such supporter put it to The New Yorker, “basically scare them into shutting up.” And though Altman had once worked extensively with the Biden administration to build AI safety standards, the moment that Donald Trump became president, Altman successfully persuaded him to kill the initiatives he’d once advocated for.
Nathan Calvin, the general counsel at Encode, an AI policy nonprofit where he focuses on state legislative initiatives, had received one of those subpoenas. “What I’ve seen from their policy and government affairs engagement has just been abysmal,” he told me. While he believed that the team who’d written the OpenAI proposal, primarily from the technical safety research side, was acting with good intentions, he was still reserving judgment. “Will those folks remain engaged as we move from general policy principles towards the many other ways in which lobbying and government influence actually happens? Part of me is hopeful, but a lot of me is also quite skeptical about whether that will happen.” (OpenAI did not return a request for comment.)
A modest, absolutely not craven request:
Next week I plan on running an issue of Regulator cataloging the nerdiest events happening during Nerd Prom, aka the White House Correspondents’ Dinner party circuit. If you’re a tech founder, tech company, or someone that does something related to technology and you’re throwing an event during WHCD week, please let me know what you’re up to! From what I’ve heard so far, the tech world is about to shake up the normal social dynamics of the week — I’ve already caught wind of the Grindr party in Georgetown, and the Substack party, which famed looksmaxxer Clavicular is attending — and I’m so, so excited to pull together the most bonkers “SPOTTED” column that Washington’s ever experienced.
(Again, this is contingent upon whether we’re at war with Iran by the end of April, in which case, I imagine no one will be up for frivolity.)
Speaking of DC reporters, this is very true of all of us:
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
After nearly two years on pause, Virgin Galactic is selling tickets again. The catch is the price. A seat now costs $750,000. That number is not a typo. It is also a sharp increase from the company’s earlier pricing, which was $600,000. Now the company is reopening sales with 50 new spots available.
The company says flight testing is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026, with commercial service starting in the fourth quarter of 2026.
If you are thinking about booking, you are not alone. More than 675 customers are currently waiting for their turn to experience space travel.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
AIR TAXIS IN THE U.S. COULD LAUNCH THIS SUMMER
Virgin Galactic’s spaceplane fires its rocket engine as it climbs toward the edge of space during a suborbital flight. (Virgin Galactic)
What a Virgin Galactic $750,000 ticket actually includes
Buying a ticket does not mean moving to space. These are short suborbital trips that last about 90 minutes. Here is how it works. Virgin Galactic uses a spaceship that launches from a carrier aircraft at high altitude. After release, the spaceplane fires its rocket engine and climbs to the edge of space. Passengers experience a few minutes of weightlessness before gliding back to Earth. It is closer to a thrill ride than a long mission. Still, for many, the appeal is simple. You get to see Earth from above the atmosphere.
Why space travel ticket prices keep rising
Going to space sounds incredible, but paying for it is a very different story. Building reusable spacecraft is expensive. Testing takes years. Safety requirements are intense. When something goes wrong, the entire program can slow down.
Virgin Galactic knows this firsthand. The company has faced delays, technical challenges and even tragedy. In 2014, a test flight operated by Scaled Composites, the company that designed and built the spaceplane, crashed and killed co-pilot Michael Alsbury. Since then, progress has been careful and at times slow. That helps explain the high ticket price. With only a limited number of flights and passengers, companies rely on premium pricing to stay afloat.
The company’s latest financials highlight that reality. Virgin Galactic reported a net loss of $279 million in 2025 and negative free cash flow of $438 million, underscoring how expensive it is to build and scale commercial spaceflight. CEO Michael Colglazier signaled that pricing could continue to climb as the company ramps up production and testing.
A new generation of spacecraft is driving the timeline
This latest ticket release is tied to a new development phase. Virgin Galactic says it expects its next-generation SpaceShip to enter ground testing in April 2026, with flight testing expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026. Commercial flights with this new vehicle are still on track for the fourth quarter of 2026.
A second SpaceShip is already in progress and is expected to enter service between late 2026 and early 2027, which is expected to increase flight frequency even more.
“We completed pivotal milestones during the first quarter of 2026, and with assembly of our first SpaceShip nearly complete and ground testing set to begin in April, we have released a limited number of Virgin Galactic Spaceflight Expeditions, each priced at $750,000,” said CEO Michael Colglazier.
That production ramp is key. The company is trying to move from monthly flights to a twice-weekly schedule per ship.
NEW PERSONAL EVTOL PROMISES PERSONAL FLIGHT UNDER $40K
Richard Branson floats in zero gravity during a flight, demonstrating the experience passengers can expect. (Virgin Galactic)
Who is competing in space tourism right now?
The timing of this relaunch is not random. Blue Origin has paused its tourist flights for at least two years. Meanwhile, SpaceX is focused on satellites, cargo missions and government contracts. That leaves Virgin Galactic as the only active option for private individuals who want a ticket to space right now. It is a small market, but for now, it is theirs.
Can space travel ever become affordable?
This is the big question hanging over the industry. Space tourism has been around for more than two decades, yet only a handful of people have actually gone. The dream has always been to make it more accessible. Right now, that dream still feels far away. Companies are trying to scale up. Virgin Galactic plans to increase flights from about four per month to as many as 10. If that happens, prices could eventually come down. But for now, the math is simple. Limited supply plus high costs equals very expensive tickets.
FLYING CAR NOW FOR SALE FOR $190,000
The view from the edge of space shows Earth’s curvature, one of the main draws of space tourism. (Virgin Galactic)
What this means for you
Even if you are not planning to spend $750,000 on a 90-minute trip, this still matters. First, it shows how close space travel is to becoming a real consumer experience. Not for everyone yet, but no longer something that feels out of reach. Second, the technology being developed for these flights often trickles down. Advances in materials, safety systems and aviation design can influence other industries over time. Finally, it is a reminder of how early we still are. Space tourism exists, but it is not mainstream. It is still in the phase where wealthy early adopters help fund the future.
Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?
Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Kurt’s key takeaways
Virgin Galactic reopening ticket sales is a signal. The industry is not fading away. It is evolving and trying to enter a new phase. At the same time, the higher price tag tells a different story. Space is still hard. It is still risky. It is still expensive. For now, the view from above remains one of the most exclusive experiences money can buy.
Would you ever pay for a trip to space if prices dropped enough, or does the risk still outweigh the thrill? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Microsoft first started trying to get rid of the Control Panel in 2012, with the launch of Windows 8. More than a decade later, it’s still working on migrating all the old Control Panel items into the modern Settings app in Windows 11. While there have been hints that the Control Panel might finally go away, the reality is a lot more complicated for Microsoft.
“We’re doing it carefully because there are a lot of different network and printer devices & drivers we need to make sure we don’t break in the process,” explains March Rogers, partner director of design at Microsoft. I could be wrong, but I think this is the first full explanation we’ve had from Microsoft about why it’s taken so long to get rid of the Control Panel.
It looked like Microsoft was about to finally cut the Control Panel in 2024, after years of Microsoft pushing aside the Control Panel in its latest Windows 11 updates. But a support note hinting at the imminent removal of the Control Panel was quickly updated to confirm Microsoft was still in the process of migrating the Control Panel to the Settings app.
Last year Microsoft also migrated clock settings, keyboard character repeat delay, mouse cursor blink rate, and formatting for time, number, and currency into the Settings app. There are also plenty of other mouse settings in the main Settings app that let you avoid the Control Panel these days.
I can’t remember the last time I used the Control Panel thanks to Microsoft’s recent mouse and keyboard improvements to the main Settings app, but a lot of Windows users used to prefer the legacy interface simply because you don’t have to dig into multiple levels to find different controls.
Microsoft is “focusing on design craft in Windows at the moment,” according to Rogers. The Settings interface is being “redesigned for clarity” this month, alongside other improvements to Windows 11 that are part of a broader effort to fix the OS.
World11 minutes ago
‘The Pitt’ Actor Patrick Ball Cries While Revealing Show Got Him Out of $80,000 Worth of Debt: ‘I Thought I Was Gonna Die With It’
News17 minutes ago
Video: Military Families Bear the Burden of War, Again
Health41 minutes ago
The Fast-Changing Chemistry of New, Dangerous Drugs
Lifestyle59 minutes ago
11 new books in April offer a chance to step inside someone else’s world
Technology1 hour ago
OpenAI made economic proposals — here’s what DC thinks of them
Florida1 year ago
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Oregon2 years ago
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Connecticut2 years ago
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
Virginia2 years ago
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana2 years ago
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
News17 minutes ago
Video: Military Families Bear the Burden of War, Again
Politics1 hour ago
Fox News Poll: Record number say taxes are too high; government spending seen as wasteful
World2 hours ago
‘Even the street cats ran’: Inside Israel’s deadliest attack on Beirut
News3 hours ago
California Supreme Court halts GOP sheriff’s voter fraud investigation
Politics13 hours ago
AOC doubles down on call for Trump’s ouster even after ceasefire announcement
-
Atlanta, GA4 days ago1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say
-
Movie Reviews7 days agoVaazha 2 first half review: Hashir anchors a lively, chaos-filled teen tale
-
Culture1 week agoDo You Know Where These Famous Authors Are Buried?
-
Georgia1 day agoGeorgia House Special Runoff Election 2026 Live Results
-
Pennsylvania2 days agoParents charged after toddler injured by wolf at Pennsylvania zoo
-
Milwaukee, WI2 days agoPotawatomi Casino Hotel evacuated after fire breaks out in rooftop HVAC system
-
Entertainment7 days agoInside Ye’s first comeback show at SoFi Stadium
-
Education1 week agoVideo: We Put Dyson’s $600 Vacuum to the Test