Hello and welcome to *Regulator*.If you’re a subscriber, you are stalwart and true, and if you’re here from the internet, *prove yoru chivalry and worth by subscribing to *The Verge* here* (And if you’re David Sacks: we said what we said.)

As of Tuesday, President Donald Trump has committed to signing *some sort* of executive order that would do *something* that would give him *some* federal control over AI regulation. I state this in the vaguest of terms for two reasons: First,there’s still no good constitutional rationale for an executive order to override laws that states pass for themselves,let alone on artificial intelligence,and the version of the executive order that leaked from the White House in November promptly presented an overwhelming amount of legal issues (to say nothing about the David Sacks of it all).

Second, Trump was just as vague about what he hopes to accomplish when he made the announcement – naturally, on Truth Social.


Sadly, this presidency is run on tyrannical vib

the Verge: Latest Coverage

“Square’s product chief on the death of the penny and the future of money”, Decoder: Square’s Willem avé talks to The Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel about the AI automation, investing in crypto, and what it’s like working for Jack Dorsey.

“AI ‘creators’ might just crash the influencer economy”, Terrence O’Brien: On the slop-filled internet, Jeremy Carrasco uses his platforms to spread AI literacy.

“The war on disinformation is a losing battle”, James Ball: How the systems that fight misinformation and disinformation became misconstrued and dismantled.

review: “A first look at Google’s Project Aura glasses built with Xreal”,Victoria Song: It’s kinda like a pair of chunky sunglasses that runs Android apps.

review: “Trump Mobile’s refurbished iPhones are an unsurprisingly bad deal”, Dominic Preston: Would you like a three-year-old used iPhone for almost $500?

“Guys, start thinking about where things are going to be six to nine months from now”

This interview has been edited for clarity.

You started working on the Alliance for Secure AI in 2

Red States Lead the Charge on AI Regulation – and Why They’re Fighting Federal Oversight

Verge readers will be familiar with AI regulation efforts in states Colorado and California, but maybe not with the explosion of AI regulations coming from deep Republican states. You’re from Texas, which passed a extensive law regulating AI earlier this year. what is driving AI regulation in red states and why are they so protective of it against federal intrusion?

That’s the really important question and hard to answer succinctly. So I’ll try and start with broad strokes and we can get into more detail. But I think Texas represents red states in that it’s very conservative. It’s a very religious state, it’s very socially conservative, so many of the lawmakers and the governor and others are looking at it thru that lens. They’re looking at the impacts of advanced AI on thier people, on the health and well-being of their people, especially young people. They’re worried about the social ills, the potential for negative impacts on families.They’re worried about this epidemic of mental health crises and suicides that we’ve seen related to AI.

They’re also worried about AI being seen as almost something that will attempt to replace God. That is a theme that I hear again and again here in Texas, when I meet with faith leaders and regular people – this instinctual reaction to this technology that is being discussed as if it were an omniscient, omnipresent thing. so that offends their sensibilities.

There’s also this important concept in the Constitution – the 10th amendment, the idea of federalism, which many conservatives and libertarians have supported, at least in theory, for a long time. I think that they come out more in support of the 10th Amendment when they see that the federal government is trying to overturn something they’ve worked on. We saw this when Republicans pushed back against the obama management on healthcare 15 years ago.We’ve seen this in a few instances in the Trump administration with Republicans here in power. But mostly, I’ve seen it on AI because I think it’s an issue that these lawmakers want to get ahead of and make sure they’re protecting their citizens. it’s just something they care passionately about.

To be honest with you, I’ve been pleasantly surprised and somewhat encouraged by the bipartisan nature of this effort. The fact tha

He also does have that kind of small-L libertarian mindset of not wanting, in his view, burdensome or onerous regulations on industry, which I get and I respect. And I don’t either.I just think that AI,and advanced AI in particular,is a different category for so many reasons as of the capabilities.Because we could easily lose control of it. And these guys are clearly not taking the safety precautions that they need. There’s just a ton of evidence of that. Long answer, apologies.

Do you think his views reflect the rest of the GOP that’s pro-moratorium? Like, how do they think about the development of AI and why does that require a moratorium?

I think the specific answer to that is, that’s what the AI industry wants. If you include lobbying money, plus PACs, plus all the 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, etc., etc., they’re on pace to spend $250 to $300 million on all of those things pushing this agenda, and they don’t want to deal with the safeguards that we all support. The industry just has a tremendous amount of impact and influence. And until the Republican senators and members of the House really see more and more regular people engaging in this,calling them up,going to their town hall meetings,speaking out on social media,they’re going to go with that immediate incentive.

I’m someone who’s advised Republicans for 20 years off and on, and worked with them and campaigned for them and dealt in grassroots politics, trying to understand voters and advise candidates on how to think about voters and talk to voters. I just don’t think they [the Republican Party] are seeing six months from now.They’re not seeing around the corner. They’re looking at what’s immediately in front of them, and it’s all the money and all the threats of Big Tech and all the influence, all the grate things that Andreessen and Sacks are telling them. and it’s like, Guys, start thinking about where things are going to be six to nine months from now.

In the actual midterms, yeah.

Oh yeah. The midterms, and also potentially with the economy. If we are in an AI bubble and we’re automating jobs to AI and there are freezes on jobs and all these

The Verge: Apple’s Vision Pro is getting a ‘Persona’ feature to make your FaceTime calls feel more… present

Apple is rolling out a new feature for its Vision Pro headset called “Persona” that aims to make FaceTime calls feel more like in-person conversations. Announced today,Persona uses advanced machine learning and Apple’s Neural Engine to create a photorealistic digital version of you that mimics your facial expressions and hand movements in real-time.

Instead of showing your actual video feed, Persona displays a digital avatar.Apple says this is designed to address the awkwardness of being on video calls while also maintaining a sense of presence. The feature aims to strike a balance between feeling connected and avoiding the feeling of being constantly “watched.”

“Persona is a breakthrough for spatial computing,” said Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, in a press release. “By creating a digital depiction of yourself, you can connect with others in a more natural and immersive way.”

Here’s how it effectively works: the Vision Pro uses its cameras and sensors to scan your face and body. This data is then used to create a detailed 3D model.Machine learning algorithms then animate this model,mirroring your expressions and movements. Apple emphasizes privacy, stating that the Persona data is processed on-device and is not sent to Apple’s servers.

Persona will be available in a future update to visionOS, Apple’s operating system for the Vision Pro. It’s a bold move by Apple, attempting to redefine how we interact during video calls and leaning into the potential of spatial computing to create more engaging and personal connections. Whether users embrace the idea of communicating through digital avatars remains to be seen, but it’s a clear indication of apple’s vision for the future of interaction.

Image via @CSMFHT/Instagram.

The Unexpected Rise of ‘Dupe’ Culture and Why Brands Should Pay Attention

For years, the beauty and fashion industries have operated on a principle of aspiration. Consumers were encouraged to desire – and purchase – the latest luxury items, often saving for months or years to attain them. But a shift is underway. A new trend, fueled by TikTok and other social media platforms, is challenging this customary model: “dupes.”

What are Dupes?

Simply put, dupes are affordable alternatives to high-end products. They aim to replicate the look, feel, and even performance of luxury items at a fraction of the cost. A $30 foundation that mimics a $60 one, a $20 handbag resembling a $2,000 designer bag – these are the hallmarks of dupe culture.

The TikTok Effect

TikTok has been the primary catalyst for the explosion of dupe culture.The platform’s algorithm favors short-form video content, making it ideal for showcasing side-by-side comparisons of luxury products and their affordable counterparts. Influencers, frequently enough referred to as “dupe finders,” have amassed large followings by sharing their discoveries, offering honest reviews, and highlighting the value proposition of these alternatives.

The hashtag #dupe has billions of views on TikTok,demonstrating the immense consumer interest. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about accessibility. Dupes allow a wider audience to participate in trends and experience the feeling of luxury without the hefty price tag.

Why is This Happening Now?

Several factors contribute to the rise of dupe culture:

* Economic Uncertainty: With rising inflation and economic instability, consumers are more price-conscious than ever.
* Social Media Influence: TikTok’s visual nature and influencer marketing have made dupes highly visible and desirable.
* Demand for Value: Consumers are increasingly questioning the value of luxury brands, particularly when comparable quality can be found at a lower price point.
* Transparency & Reviews: Online reviews and comparisons empower consumers to make informed decisions.

What Does This Mean for Brands?

The dupe phenomenon presents both a challenge and an opportunity for brands.

the Challenge: Dupes directly impact sales of luxury items. If consumers can find a satisfactory alternative for less,they are less likely to purchase the original. Brands also face the risk of brand dilution if dupes are perceived as being of similar quality.

The Opportunity: Brands can learn from the success of dupes. Here’s how:

* Focus on Innovation: Continue to invest in research and development to create truly unique and innovative products that are arduous to replicate.
* Highlight Brand Story & Values: Emphasize the craftsmanship, heritage, and ethical practices that differentiate your brand from cheaper alternatives.Consumers are frequently enough willing to pay a premium for brands that align with their values.
* Accessibility & Inclusivity: Consider offering more accessible price points or product lines to cater to a wider audience.
* Engage with the dupe Conversation: Instead of ignoring the trend, brands can acknowledge it and engage in a constructive dialog with consumers.

Dupe culture isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s a reflection of changing consumer behaviour and economic realities. Brands that adapt and respond strategically will be best positioned to thrive in this new landscape.

Tina nguyen

Senior Reporter, Washington

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!tina Nguyen

The Metaverse Is Still Waiting for a Killer App

The metaverse. Just a few years ago, the word conjured images of a futuristic, immersive internet where we’d work, play, and socialize in entirely new ways. Mark Zuckerberg famously bet big on it, rebranding facebook to Meta and pouring billions into its development.But today, the metaverse feels…quiet. The hype has died down, and the promised revolution hasn’t materialized.

So, what happened? the biggest problem is simple: there isn’t a compelling reason to go to the metaverse. Despite remarkable technological advancements, most metaverse experiences feel clunky, isolating, and frankly, not that fun. we’re still largely stuck with digital versions of things we already do, but with worse graphics and more friction.

Early visions focused on virtual meetings and concerts. While these have been tried, they often fall flat. The uncanny valley effect – where realistic but not-quiet-human avatars are unsettling – is a persistent issue. Lag and technical glitches disrupt the experience. And let’s be honest, most meetings are better had in person or via a reliable video call. As for concerts, the energy and shared experience of being physically present with a crowd are hard to replicate.

Gaming is the closest thing the metaverse has to a success story. Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft have all built robust virtual worlds where millions gather to play, create, and interact. But these aren’t really the metaverse as it was originally envisioned. They’re prosperous games that happen to have strong social elements and user-generated content. They don’t necessarily rely on the core tenets of a persistent, interoperable virtual world.

The problem isn’t the technology itself. VR headsets are improving, and the underlying infrastructure is becoming more powerful. The issue is a lack of a “killer app” – a single, must-have experience that draws people in and keeps them coming back. Something that leverages the unique capabilities of the metaverse in a way that’s genuinely compelling and useful.

What could that killer app be? It’s hard to say. Perhaps it’s a new form of immersive education, allowing students to explore historical sites or dissect virtual organs. Maybe it’s a revolutionary design tool that lets architects and engineers collaborate in a shared 3D space. Or perhaps it’s a completely new form of entertainment that we haven’t even imagined yet.

Until that killer app arrives, the metaverse will remain a promising but unrealized potential. It’s a space ripe for innovation, but it needs a compelling reason for people to actually care. The future of the metaverse isn’t about building a digital replica of the real world; it’s about creating something entirely new and uniquely valuable. And right now, that something is still missing.

FTC Sues Amazon Over Prime Enrollment Tactics

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is suing Amazon, alleging the company used deceptive tactics to enroll consumers in its Prime subscription service and then made it difficult for them to cancel. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, claims Amazon knowingly exploited a confusing interface to trick users into agreeing to recurring charges.

According to the FTC, Amazon’s signup process included dark patterns – manipulative design choices that nudge users toward actions they might not otherwise take. Specifically, the complaint focuses on how Amazon required numerous steps to cancel Prime, including navigating multiple pages and confirming the cancellation several times.It appears this complicated process was intentionally designed to discourage cancellations.

“Amazon hooked millions of customers into Prime memberships with an easy signup process, then made it incredibly difficult to cancel,” said FTC Chair Lina Khan in a statement. “The FTC is taking action to hold Amazon accountable for these practices and ensure that consumers can easily and freely cancel subscriptions.”

The lawsuit also alleges that Amazon illegally enrolled customers in Prime without their consent. The FTC claims Amazon pre-selected the Prime enrollment option during the checkout process, and some customers were unknowingly charged for the service. One might suggest this practise directly contradicts consumer protection laws.

Amazon has disputed the FTC’s claims. A company spokesperson stated that the allegations are “false and factually incorrect.” They argue that Amazon has always been clear about its Prime subscription terms and provides customers with clear instructions on how to cancel.

If the FTC wins the case, Amazon could face important financial penalties and be required to change its Prime enrollment and cancellation processes. The outcome of this lawsuit could have broad implications for how other companies design their subscription services. It’s a clear signal that regulators are paying closer attention to dark patterns and deceptive online practices.

You can find more facts about the lawsuit on the FTC’s website.