Technology

A contentious bill currently making its way through the Wisconsin legislature is drawing sharp criticism from digital rights advocates who warn it could effectively ban VPN access for residents and lead to widespread censorship. Senate Bill 130 (S.B. 130) / Assembly Bill 105 (A.B. 105) aims to require age verification for websites hosting content deemed “sexual,” but the method for achieving that goal has sparked alarm over privacy and free speech implications.

The legislation, which recently passed the State Assembly and is scheduled for a Senate vote, would compel websites to block users connecting via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This requirement, critics argue, is not only technically unworkable but also undermines a crucial tool used by a diverse range of individuals for security and privacy. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has described the bill as “a spectacularly poor idea,” urging lawmakers to reject it.

VPNs are commonly used by businesses, journalists, activists, and individuals seeking to protect their online activity from surveillance. They encrypt internet traffic and mask a user’s IP address, providing a layer of security and anonymity. Blocking VPN access, the EFF argues, would disproportionately impact those who rely on these tools for legitimate purposes.

One of the core concerns is the technical difficulty of enforcing the law. According to the EFF, websites would struggle to reliably determine whether a VPN user is located in Wisconsin, another state, or even another country. To avoid potential liability, websites may be forced to over-block IP addresses associated with VPNs, potentially denying access to legitimate users, or implement nationwide restrictions.

Broadening the Definition of “Harmful to Minors”

Beyond the VPN ban, S.B. 130 / A.B. 105 raises concerns about the scope of what constitutes “harmful to minors.” The ACLU of Wisconsin points out that the bill expands this definition far beyond the narrow categories historically recognized by courts, which typically focus on explicit adult sexual materials. Instead, the proposed legislation could encompass content that merely describes sex or depicts human anatomy, potentially leading to over-censorship and chilling lawful speech.

The bill also mandates invasive age verification methods, potentially requiring users to submit government-issued identification, biometric data, or financial information to access websites. This data collection raises significant privacy concerns and could expose individuals to data breaches and misuse. As the EFF letter to the Wisconsin Legislature states, this combination of mass data collection and vague speech restrictions “is a recipe for over-censorship, data breaches, and constitutional overreach.”

Technical Challenges and Privacy Risks

The EFF highlights the impracticality of the bill’s requirements, noting that accurately identifying VPN users’ locations is a significant technical hurdle. Websites would face a difficult choice: over-blocking, blocking all Wisconsin users, or implementing nationwide restrictions to avoid liability. This approach could severely limit access to information for residents and create a fragmented internet experience.

The ACLU of Wisconsin further details the potential age verification methods, including uploading government IDs, participating in video calls to verify identity, or providing credit card information for age assessment. These methods raise serious privacy concerns and could create barriers to access for individuals without government identification or those concerned about data security.

Legislative Status and Next Steps

S.B. 130 was introduced in the Wisconsin Senate on March 14, 2025, by Senators Wanggaard, Feyen, Jacque, and Nass, with several representatives as cosponsors. A public hearing was held on October 8, 2025, and the bill passed through the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families on November 12, 2025, with a vote of 3 to 2. Representative Ortiz-Velez was added as a cosponsor on February 13, 2026. You can find the full text of the bill and its legislative history on the Wisconsin State Legislature website: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130. Assembly Bill 105 mirrors the provisions of S.B. 130.

As the bill heads to a vote in the State Senate, digital rights advocates are urging Wisconsin residents to contact their senators and voice their opposition. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between protecting minors online and safeguarding fundamental rights to privacy and free speech. The outcome of this vote will likely set a precedent for similar legislation in other states, making it a critical moment for internet freedom advocates.

What happens next will depend on the Senate vote. If passed, the bill will move to the Governor for consideration. Regardless of the outcome, this legislation underscores the need for a careful and nuanced approach to online safety that respects both the rights of children and the principles of a free and open internet.

What are your thoughts on this bill? Share your perspective in the comments below.

OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research and deployment company behind ChatGPT, has recruited Peter Steinberger, the founder of the increasingly popular AI agent platform OpenClaw. The move signals OpenAI’s deepening commitment to developing personalized AI assistants capable of handling complex, real-world tasks. This acquisition comes as OpenAI focuses on what CEO Sam Altman describes as “the next generation of personal agents,” aiming to seamlessly integrate AI into everyday life.

Altman publicly lauded Steinberger, calling him “a genius with a ton of remarkable ideas about the future of very intelligent agents that can interact with each other to do very useful things for users,” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The integration of OpenClaw’s technology and Steinberger’s expertise is expected to accelerate OpenAI’s progress in building multi-agent systems – AI systems comprised of multiple interacting agents – which the company believes will be central to its future product offerings.

OpenClaw, previously known as MoltBot and Clawdbot, has gained traction for its ability to “actually do things,” automating tasks like calendar management, flight booking, and email responses. The platform’s capabilities have recently gone viral on platforms like TikTok, with users demonstrating entire dedicated devices running the AI agent locally. This popularity underscores a growing demand for AI tools that move beyond simple chatbots and offer practical, automated assistance.

Despite acquiring Steinberger, OpenAI has committed to maintaining OpenClaw as an open-source project. Altman stated that “OpenClaw will live in a foundation as an open source project that OpenAI will continue to support.” Steinberger echoed this sentiment, confirming that OpenClaw will remain “open and independent.” This approach aims to foster community development and ensure the continued accessibility of the platform, even as its founder transitions to OpenAI.

OpenClaw’s Capabilities and Viral Growth

OpenClaw distinguishes itself from many other AI assistants by its ability to connect to and automate actions across various third-party services. This functionality, coupled with its local-first approach – allowing users to run the agent on their own hardware – has resonated with a tech-savvy audience. The platform’s viral spread on TikTok demonstrates a growing interest in self-hosted AI solutions, offering users greater control over their data and privacy.

Steinberger, in a blog post, expressed his enthusiasm for joining OpenAI, stating he was eager to “be at the forefront of AI research and development.” He added, “What matters is changing the world, not building a big company, and joining OpenAI represents the fastest way to achieve that for everyone.” This statement highlights a shift in focus for Steinberger, prioritizing impact over independent entrepreneurship.

What’s Next for OpenAI and Personal AI Agents?

Even as OpenAI has not yet disclosed Steinberger’s official title or specific responsibilities, his expertise is expected to be instrumental in shaping the future of OpenAI’s personal agent technology. The company envisions a future where AI agents proactively assist users with a wide range of tasks, learning their preferences and anticipating their needs. This vision aligns with a broader trend in the AI industry towards more proactive and personalized AI experiences.

The development of multi-agent systems is a key component of this vision. These systems, comprised of multiple AI agents working in concert, could tackle complex problems that are beyond the capabilities of a single agent. For example, a multi-agent system could coordinate travel arrangements, manage finances, and provide personalized recommendations, all while adapting to the user’s changing circumstances.

OpenAI’s acquisition of Steinberger and commitment to OpenClaw’s open-source future represent a strategic move to accelerate the development of these technologies. The company’s continued investment in personal AI agents suggests a belief that these systems will play a transformative role in the future of technology and human-computer interaction. The focus now shifts to how OpenAI will integrate OpenClaw’s capabilities into its existing product suite and what modern innovations will emerge from this collaboration.

As OpenAI continues to push the boundaries of AI, the development of robust, reliable, and user-friendly personal agents will be crucial. The coming months will likely reveal more details about Steinberger’s role at OpenAI and the company’s plans for the future of AI-powered assistance. Share your thoughts on the future of personal AI in the comments below.