A power line failed outside Washington, DC, earlier this week. Typically, the grid requires just a handful of seconds to recover from such incidents. However, this particular situation took over 10 minutes as more than 3 gigawatts of data centers ceased drawing electricity almost at once.

This incident triggered a voltage spike across the PJM grid, reaching from Northern Virginia to Chicago, according to insights gathered by Ting Labs, a startup that operates an IoT sensor network installed in residential sockets.

While the event didn’t lead to a blackout, it did cause lights in the area to flicker. This occurrence highlighted the impact that data centers can exert on the grid — an outcome that experts anticipate will become more common.

Northern Virginia, a part of PJM’s jurisdiction, hosts the highest density of data centers globally.

“It’s a warning signal,” remarked Ricardo de Azevedo, CTO at ON.Energy, to TechCrunch. He noted that such occurrences involving significant loads like data centers are “becoming increasingly frequent.”

The event mirrors one that transpired two years ago on PJM’s grid, which could indicate larger issues if data centers aren’t equipped to manage power supply interruptions effectively. The PJM Interconnection oversees grids stretching from New Jersey to Illinois, servicing 67 million customers, making it the largest grid operator in the U.S.

During this week’s power line failure, data centers were prompted to switch to backup power, resulting in approximately 3.1 gigawatts of load disappearing in roughly 30 seconds, based on PJM data. The grid showed signs of recovery, but shortly thereafter, additional loads dropped off. At its highest, PJM’s grid had an additional 3.49 gigawatts of electricity. It took an additional 11 minutes for stabilization. The disconnected data centers represented about 3% of total demand on PJM at that time, as reported by Reuters.

While a few percent may not seem significant, the electrical grid must operate in a state of nearly perfect equilibrium, with supply and demand closely aligned. When they diverge, voltages may sag or spike. The grid and its connected devices can endure minor fluctuations, but excessive deviations can trigger failsafes within the grid or individual facilities, leading them to disconnect. 

When data centers in Northern Virginia detected the fluctuation due to the fallen power line, they switched to backup power, reducing their load from the grid. As more data centers switched, the load removal increased. What started as a relatively minor reduction in supply resulted in a more substantial decline in demand, causing supply to surge and lights to flicker. 

Most data centers respond in an instant, and those that disconnected this week appeared to follow suit. Ali Zain Banatwala, senior market models specialist at the Independent Electricity System Operator, informed TechCrunch that as soon as they experienced the voltage drop, they all made the decision to disconnect within moments of one another. 

“We need to establish a method for these loads, which are situated next to each other, to disconnect or reconnect in a sequential manner,” he stated. A more organized approach would enable grid operators to develop stronger procedures in advance.

Alternatively, data centers could be designed to withstand disruptions instead of disengaging from them. One startup, ON.Energy, is working on a solution to assist data centers — and the grid — in weathering events similar to the one that occurred this week. 

The company has created an uninterruptible power supply for an entire data center campus, covering not just servers but also chillers and other machinery. Essentially, the company situates the data center behind a bank of batteries linked to advanced power conversion equipment. All the grid “perceives” is one consistent, smoothly operating load as opposed to the fluctuations from each segment of the data center. ON.Energy’s system enables data centers to adjust computing workloads, including AI training, without impacting the grid. 

More crucially, it means that data centers can absorb power fluctuations from the grid. Instead of disconnecting, ON.Energy’s system can utilize any surplus power to recharge its batteries, and if power flow decreases, the system can allocate power to servers. Additionally, it can adapt to changes in the grid within milliseconds, averting sags or surges like those that contributed to this week’s issue for PJM.

ON.Energy is presently installing a cumulative 3 gigawatts worth of its systems at four different data center locations, de Azevedo mentioned.

Grid managers have also begun to acknowledge the issue.

For instance, ERCOT will mandate that large loads like data centers “ride through” disruptions, as noted by de Azevedo.

However, time is of the essence. The mass disconnection that occurred this week was double the size of a comparable event in 2024, when 60 data centers disconnected simultaneously, removing 1.5 gigawatts of load from the grid. At that time, data centers constituted roughly 6% of PJM’s load, as reported by Synapse Energy Economics. By 2040, they are projected to account for 24%. If the situation isn’t proactively addressed, it could deteriorate significantly.

Last week, OpenAI introduced its inaugural hardware — a stylish keypad designed specifically for integration with ChatGPT. Developed alongside specialty keyboard designer Work Louder, Micro is essentially a niche workplace novelty that is likely to delight tech aficionados and may leave others somewhat confused.

OpenAI’s foray into hardware hasn’t been without its controversies. A few weeks back, Apple filed a lawsuit against the AI lab, alleging trade theft — initiating what is bound to become a prolonged legal conflict. At the same time, reports about another smart home device being created by OpenAI have garnered attention, as the so-called device — intended to pair with ChatGPT — was allegedly developed by former engineers from Apple.

While the legal proceedings unfold and OpenAI’s broader hardware goals take shape, the most the startup offers is Micro — an eclectic little keypad evidently crafted to please the programming nerds of the tech world.

TechCrunch received a test unit of the Micro from OpenAI. The first noticeable aspect when handling the keypad is its robustness — sufficient that if this AI accessory doesn’t succeed, it could easily serve as a paperweight. Another observation (noted by others as well) is that the packaging — a pristine white box with a sleek, minimalist design — has strong Apple vibes. Interpret that as you wish.

The keypad layout features six frosted “agent” keys at the top, customizable for specific tasks within ChatGPT or its coding tool Codex. Below them are six command keys, usable to manage those programs. You can connect your Micro to your computer via Bluetooth or a USB cable.

One of the most user-friendly features of Micro is the voice dictation button — allowing you to communicate your requests to the app effortlessly. Hold down the dictation button and start speaking. When you finish, press the “send” button beside it to submit your request.

You can personalize your Micro keypad directly in ChatGPT, where a dedicated Micro tab enables you to modify everything from key lighting brightness to the specific commands and tasks assigned to each key.

However, the hardcore coding community — the intended audience for the device — hasn’t fully embraced it. Reviews from Reddit users have been predominantly negative, with one user labeling it “a joke and not a legitimate product,” and others remarking that serious coders will steer clear. A review from the smaller independent outlet Aftermath was even more critical, describing the $230 price as challenging to justify compared to cheaper DIY and off-the-shelf options. (The title of that review: “OpenAI’s pricey macropad seems designed to specifically annoy me.”)

It’s evident that new users may require some time to familiarize themselves with Micro and how to utilize it.

Once I learned how to configure the keypad to suit my preferences, I discovered it was genuinely enjoyable. You can assign distinct ChatGPT sessions to specific keys, facilitating easy switching between various projects. Coupled with the dictation button, this enhances the overall efficiency and enjoyment of the experience.

Nevertheless, there is a learning curve. The colors of Micro’s buttons indicate various statuses: white signifies an idle agent, blue shows it’s thinking, green denotes task completion, and red indicates an error. Memorizing this, alongside which specific projects correspond to each key, will be necessary.

The key question is whether the Micro keypad is functionally simpler to use than continuing with your laptop. In brief: Why would I dedicate a week to learning how to program and manage this device when I’m already proficient with my computer’s mouse and keyboard?

Ultimately, your experience with the Micro will largely depend on your usage of ChatGPT. Since I don’t engage with AI frequently, I’m likely not its primary target audience.

That being said, if you’re a dedicated ChatGPT user, have $230 to spare, and appreciate vintage-style hardware with tactile buttons, Micro could be a worthwhile investment — it might even bring a touch of joy to your day.

On Friday, SpaceX achieved the successful deployment of its inaugural third-generation Starlink satellites utilizing an enhanced version of its prototype Starship — marking the 13th test flight of its colossal rocket thus far. However, the firm faced another setback with its Super Heavy booster during a scheduled simulated landing in the Gulf of Mexico.

This marks the second occurrence of a problem with the Super Heavy booster on this version V3 of Starship. In May, during the initial Starship V3 flight, SpaceX experienced a malfunction with the Super Heavy booster as it detached from the upper stage of the rocket. Following the deployment of the Starlink satellites, SpaceX managed to carry out a simulated landing of the Starship’s upper stage during the launch on Friday.

This launch took place just over a week after SpaceX attempted to conduct the 13th Starship launch, which had to be aborted immediately after ignition due to several engine failures. To address this issue, SpaceX stated that it replaced six engines before Friday’s flight.

During the launch on Friday, the booster progressed further into its intended flight path but failed to ignite all of the engines necessary for its simulated landing burn properly. As a result, the booster exploded after making impact with the water, which occurred more quickly than anticipated.

This was the initial launch of Starship since SpaceX went public in June, achieving the largest IPO ever. As part of SpaceX’s “fly, fail, fix” strategy for Starship development, the company’s stock saw a decline last week following the launch abort. The decrease is part of a broader downward trend since the IPO, with shares falling from a previous high of over $200 to $115 at the end of trading on Friday. In after-hours trading, SpaceX shares dipped another 2% following the failure of the booster, though some losses were later mitigated.

SpaceX experienced greater success with the Starship V3 upper stage during the launch on Friday. Unlike the first V3 launch in May, where the upper stage lost a rocket engine, this time, Starship faced no complications on its route to deploying the new Starlinks. The Ship, as the company refers to it, successfully withstood the intense forces of atmospheric reentry and accomplished a simulated landing in the Indian Ocean approximately one hour post-liftoff.

Differing from earlier Starship missions, the Ship did not explode upon tilting into the water. Instead, it floated, allowing SpaceX to deploy a drone to meticulously inspect the heat shield tiles on its underside.

The latest Starlink satellites disintegrated in the atmosphere around 20 minutes following their deployment, as Starship remains unable to achieve Earth orbit. SpaceX was able to establish communication with all the satellites while they were in space, signaling progress for that program, the only profitable segment of the company’s operations.

The capacity to deploy the more advanced V3 Starlink satellites enhances the financial viability of the company’s capital-intensive space internet network. SpaceX asserts that launching 60 of the new satellites onboard Starship represents a “potential twenty-fold increase” in downlink capacity compared to those carried by a single Falcon 9.

Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether SpaceX can achieve those benefits if the Super Heavy booster is expended rather than reused. According to SpaceX’s S-1, without a fully reusable Starship, progress on Starlink “would be at a slower pace and higher cost.”

With contributions from Tim Fernholz.

Prentis, a newly established AI research lab concentrating on computer usage models, co-founded by serial entrepreneur Ritankar Das alongside tech luminaries Reid Hoffman and Mark Pincus, is reportedly negotiating to secure $100 million at a valuation of $1 billion, as informed by two individuals acquainted with the talks.

Initiated in April, Prentis is developing models designed to understand how office employees manage routine workflows across various documents and systems, aiming to create AI agents capable of operating computers to automate these tasks.

Prentis will likely craft agents customized to meet the specific demands of its clients, such as processing insurance claims and automating exceptions for customs duty refunds without requiring human intervention to track down the necessary documentation.

The startup has already secured contracts totaling up to $50 million with various clients, including a healthcare management service organization, a manufacturer, and producers of goods and apparel, according to the two sources who spoke to TechCrunch. This aligns with investor documents obtained by TechCrunch, which project a potential annualized run rate of approximately $75 million by the end of the third quarter this year. (Prentis’ presentation indicates these figures represent projected annualized value based on a contracted fee amounting to 20% of realized savings, not recognized revenue, and are “performance-dependent and subject to final execution.”)

According to Prentis, its Hive-32B model surpasses competitors, including OpenAI’s GPT-5.4 and Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.6, on two computer usage metrics: WindowsAgentArena, which assesses end-to-end task completion on actual Windows applications, and ScreenSpot-v2, which evaluates a model’s capacity to identify the correct on-screen controls.

Within its pitch material, the company contends its advantage stems from utilizing a significantly smaller and more cost-effective model. Indeed, it asserts it incurs costs about 10 times lower per task than leading APIs, claiming it’s more viable to implement across routine workflows. TechCrunch has not independently verified the company’s benchmarking results.

The startup believes that the automation of day-to-day office tasks will soon exceed coding as the primary application of AI, although the competition is fierce. Anthropic, OpenAI, and Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab are also pursuing the development of AI agents for computer use, one of the sources noted. Anthropic has been actively recruiting talent in this field, having acquired the Seattle-based computer-use startup Vercept earlier this year, integrating its founders and discontinuing its product.

Prentis has not responded to TechCrunch’s request for a statement.

Ritankar Das, CEO of Prentis, is also the founder of Titan, a holding entity that builds and operates AI ventures. At 31, Das was the youngest University Medalist at UC Berkeley in over a century, graduating at the age of 18 with a double major in bioengineering and chemical biology before obtaining a master’s in biomedical engineering from Oxford.

He established Titan in 2014 after leaving an AI PhD program at Cambridge, where he had been a Gates Cambridge Scholar. Das has characterized Titan as a deliberate throwback to a classic holding-company model akin to Berkshire Hathaway, funded through its own exits rather than by external limited partners.

Other enterprises launched and managed by Titan include the AI-driven virtual care provider Tala Health, which secured a $100 million seed investment last year, and Forta Health, an autism care initiative that raised $55 million led by Insight Partners in 2024. Titan-founded disease prediction firm Dascena was acquired by CirrusDx in 2022.

Prentis serves as a side endeavor for its two other co-founders. Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn and a partner at Greylock, indicated last month that he would be stepping down from Microsoft’s board after nearly a decade to enter “founder mode” at Manas AI, an AI drug discovery startup he’s also supporting; he was an early investor in OpenAI and co-founded Inflection AI with Mustafa Suleyman before most of that team was integrated into Microsoft in 2024.

Pincus, the founder of Zynga, currently heads the investment firm Reinvent Capital, working with Hoffman as a senior adviser, and released a memoir, “Life at the Speed of Play,” last month.

Prentis has already recruited over 25 staff members, including researchers previously affiliated with OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Meta, Tencent, and Alibaba, per its website.

Finances have transformed into much more than just the cash you carry or your account balance. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, we’re dedicating a whole stage to this evolution. The all-new Smart Money Stage will be the intersection of fintech, payments, and AI.

From October 13–15 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, you can connect with leaders from Circle, Robinhood, American Express, Plaid, Airwallex, and many others as they delve into the specifics of how money is transforming. This includes discussions on how stablecoins and instant payments are revolutionizing the flow of money, the extent to which AI agents are being relied upon (or not) for financial decisions, and the essentials needed to establish regulated financial systems tailored for a global market.

We’re nearing the close of our current pricing phase — your opportunity to seize the best Disrupt rates is ending soon — so explore our ticket options right here. And if you require further persuasion, let’s explore the programming of the Smart Money Stage:

The Future of Money Movement: Stablecoins, Instant Payments & What’s Next 

Stablecoins and instant payments are altering the way money circulates globally. This session examines how these innovative payment systems stack up against traditional banking frameworks, the role of FedNow and private networks, and how shifts in regulation and the market could influence the future of payments. Discover where these systems are making strides, and what hurdles still exist.

With Nikhil Chandhok, Chief Product & Technology Officer, Circle; Rodney Robinson, Co-founder and CEO, TabaPay, Inc.; and Lotti Siniscalco, General Partner, Emergence

Winning the Modern Financial Consumer 

People’s methods of payment, investment, and money management are rapidly changing. Robinhood, which currently has a market cap exceeding $90 billion, has transitioned from a trading application to a comprehensive financial platform encompassing investing, banking, credit, cryptocurrency, and prediction markets. Abhishek Fatehpuria, Head of Product, will discuss how technology and evolving consumer expectations are transforming financial services, and what is essential to create reliable products that can sustain significant growth.

With Abhishek Fatehpuria, Head of Product, Robinhood

AI, Trust & Verification in Financial Services 

As AI expands from content creation into actionable roles, financial institutions are reevaluating trust, supervision, and security. Our panelists will investigate how AI agents are transforming financial processes, the ongoing importance of transparency and human input, and how organizations are currently tackling privacy, fraud mitigation, and identity validation in an AI-driven landscape.

With Hannah Bozian, VP, Agentic Partnerships & Strategy, American Express; Pedro Sanzovo, Head of Fraud and Identity, Plaid; and Victoria Zuo, Partner, QED Investors

Building the Infrastructure for Global Commerce 

Conventional financial systems were not designed for the needs of today’s global enterprises. Airwallex, currently assessed at $11 billion by its investors, is developing an AI-driven financial operating system, assisting businesses in managing cross-border transactions, overseeing global finances, and integrating financial solutions into their own platforms. Jack Zhang, Founder and CEO, will provide insights into how AI is transforming payments and what is required to construct a regulated financial ecosystem that empowers millions of businesses.  

With Jack Zhang, Founder & CEO, Airwallex 

Whether you’re innovating the next payment infrastructure, determining the role of AI in fraud and identity matters, or simply seeking to comprehend the direction of consumer finance, the Smart Money Stage is crafted for founders and operators who need clarity, not distractions.  

Additionally, if you participate in Disrupt 2026, you’ll also gain access to all the networking, ancillary events, and learning opportunities from our extensive roster of speakers. It promises to be a three-day experience in the epicenter of the startup community that will equip you for another year of innovation, so register now!

 

Vietnam is contemplating an unprecedented variant of the youth social media bans that are gaining traction worldwide. Rather than entirely removing children from platforms, the nation aims to allow them to remain logged in — albeit silenced.

According to a draft decree from Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, reported by Reuters on Friday, individuals under 16 would retain their social media accounts but would be prohibited from posting, commenting, or reacting to content. The proposal mandates that social media accounts for minors under 16 be registered under a parent’s name, who will be accountable for overseeing the content their child accesses and the duration spent on these platforms. Additionally, the platforms will be required to implement technical measures to identify child users and limit their access to age-appropriate content.

Deputy Culture Minister Phan Tam stated that the intention is not to entirely ban or overly limit children’s access to social media, but to guarantee that they are in an environment suitable for their age whenever they do engage with it. The decree is not yet finalized and may undergo changes before being adopted. Vietnam is also exploring distinct restrictions on gaming, which would limit playtime for users under 16 to 60 minutes per day per game and impose the same parental registration requirement as for social media accounts.

Vietnam’s strategy is innovative, yet it is not the sole country pursuing such measures. In recent months, numerous nations have revealed plans to curb social media access for children and adolescents. Australia became the first to put such regulations into action at the close of last year, establishing a precedent that other countries are closely monitoring. In conjunction with Vietnam, France has more recently announced similar measures.

The regulations and proposals being introduced by governments globally aim to alleviate the pressures and dangers young users might encounter on social media, which encompass cyberbullying, addiction, mental health challenges, and exposure to predators.

Nonetheless, concerns persist about privacy issues surrounding intrusive age verification and excessive governmental interference. Critics, including Amnesty Tech, have argued that such bans are ineffective and overlook the realities faced by younger generations. Regardless, many countries are proceeding with proposed legislation.

If you’re interested in the nations deliberating or that have already advanced with prohibitions on social media usage for younger audiences, continue reading.

Australia

Australia became the world’s pioneer in banning social media for children under 16 in December 2025. The ban prohibits children from using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick, notably excluding WhatsApp and YouTube Kids.

The Australian government has stated that these social media companies must take measures to prevent children from accessing their services. Non-compliance could result in penalties of up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.4 million USD).

The government asserts that these platforms should employ various verification techniques to confirm that users are older than 16, emphasizing that they cannot solely rely on users self-reporting their ages.

Austria

Austria announced in late March that it will prohibit social media for children up to the age of 14. The draft legislation for the ban is anticipated to be finalized by June.

Canada

In early June, the Canadian government proposed a digital safety bill that would restrict social media for minors under 16. Under the bill’s provisions, social media giants could avoid the ban by demonstrating that they have policies in place to safeguard young users. Officials have indicated that it might take a year for the bill to be enacted.

Denmark

Denmark is set to enforce a ban on social media platforms for children under 15. The Danish government declared in November 2025 that it garnered backing for the ban from three governing coalition parties and two opposition parties within parliament.

The government’s plans could be legislated as soon as mid-2026, according to the Associated Press. The Danish digital affairs ministry is additionally launching a “digital evidence” application that encompasses age verification tools which may be utilized as part of the ban.

France

France enacted a law on July 21 banning social media access for anyone under 15. The legislation could take effect as soon as September 1. It will also prohibit the use of cell phones in high schools, extending an existing ban in primary and middle schools.

Germany

In early February, discussions were held among German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives regarding a proposal to prevent children under 16 from utilizing social media, as reported by Reuters. However, indications surfaced that coalition partners on the center-left were reluctant to endorse a total ban.

Greece

In April, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced plans to ban access to social media for children under 15, effective January 2027. Mitsotakis indicated that the initiative is aimed at addressing rising anxiety and sleep disturbances among children, as well as the addictive nature of social media.

Indonesia

In early March, Indonesia declared a ban on social media usage for children under 16 and other popular online platforms. The plan targets platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.

Malaysia 

The Malaysian government announced in November 2025 its intention to prohibit social media for children under 16. The implementation of the ban is planned for this year. 

Poland

Poland’s ruling party is in the process of formulating new legislation that would prevent children under 15 from using social media, as reported by Bloomberg in February.

Slovenia

Slovenia is developing legislation to restrict access to social media for children under 15, as announced by the country’s deputy prime minister in early February. The government intends to regulate social networks that facilitate content sharing, citing platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Spain

Spain’s prime minister revealed in early February that the country is considering a ban on social media for minors under the age of 16. The ban requires parliamentary endorsement. The Spanish government is also moving toward establishing a law that would hold social media executives accountable for hate speech on their platforms.

Turkey

In April, the Turkish parliament passed a bill intending to limit social media access for children under 15. This bill must be approved by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to become law.

UK

On June 15, U.K. prime minister Keir Starmer announced a government plan to prohibit social media usage for children under 16. This ban would cover various social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in this prohibition. There will also be restrictions on AI tools, requiring AI “romantic companion” chatbots to ensure they are accessible only to individuals over 18.

Experts have raised doubts regarding the effectiveness of a universal ban. Starmer has acknowledged the challenges, yet remains confident that enforcement is feasible. He anticipates that a ban could be enacted by spring 2027.

Vietnam

Refer to the above for the latest updates on Vietnam’s proposal.

This article was initially published in February 2026 and is updated regularly with new developments.

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted two engineers from Volkswagen on charges of securities fraud due to an alleged insider-trading scheme related to the automaker’s partnership with Rivian.

The indictment, made public on Friday by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, claims that Michael Stamp and Marcus Plank profited over $300,000 by leveraging confidential insider knowledge. They are accused of purchasing Rivian stock and options after discovering that Volkswagen and the EV manufacturer intended to establish a joint venture — referred to internally as “Project Climb” — but before any announcements were made to the public.

Rivian and Volkswagen revealed their plans for the joint venture on June 25, 2024, aimed at developing electric vehicle architecture and software. Volkswagen originally pledged to invest $5 billion in Rivian, with funds being available as the companies meet specific goals. The venture has since expanded to $5.8 billion, with Volkswagen now holding the position of Rivian’s largest shareholder.

Following the announcement in June, Rivian’s stock experienced a 23% increase. Stamp and Plank reportedly offloaded their investments in Rivian, with Stamp earning around $250,000 in profits, Plank generating approximately $50,000, and a close family member of Plank making about $12,000, as outlined in the indictment.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated in a press release on Friday:

Michael Stamp and Marcus Plank’s purported misuse of their employer’s confidential information enabled them to garner over $300,000 in illicit gains. When individuals exploit confidential information for personal financial benefit, they impair the foundational principles that ensure our markets operate fairly and effectively. Insider trading is a crime that the residents of New York expect to be prosecuted vigorously. Its ramifications permeate the financial ecosystem, affecting regular investors and diminishing public trust. Today’s indictment highlights our Office’s and our law enforcement partners’ dedication to safeguarding the integrity of our markets and holding accountable those who opt to breach the law.

Investigators assert that the two engineers were aware that their actions were unlawful. Eight days before the joint venture was publicly disclosed, Stamp searched for “statute of limitations insider trading,” and a close relative of Plank searched, in German, “how is insider trading prosecuted?,” according to the indictment.

The two, both residing in San Jose, were apprehended on Friday and are set to appear in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The proceedings have been assigned to U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. Stamp and Plank could face up to 25 years in prison if found guilty of federal securities fraud.

Rivian has opted not to comment. A spokesperson from Volkswagen stated that the company is aware of the Department of Justice’s actions today concerning two individuals.

“The proceedings pertain to specific individuals and do not involve allegations against the company,” the Volkswagen spokesperson communicated in an email statement. “As this matter is ongoing, we are unable to provide additional comments.”

The article was revised to include Volkswagen’s response.

Poke, the AI companion you chat with like a buddy, is gearing up for its next significant advancement. The organization behind this assistant, The Interaction Company of California, has been acquired by AI coding startup Cognition in a transaction that values the startup at “low nine figures.”

This agreement will integrate Poke’s interaction style and character into Cognition’s coding assistant Devin. In turn, Poke will leverage Cognition’s frameworks and models to enhance its speed and dependability, according to Cognition.

What draws consumers — and now its purchaser — to Poke is its way of interacting with user inquiries. Rather than acting merely as a tool, Poke communicates in a friendly manner, responding as a friend and even weaving in slang and humor. This could bring added value to Devin’s coding capabilities.

“You likely prefer co-workers with personality over those that feel robotic,” Interaction Company co-founder Marvin von Hagen mentioned in a TechCrunch interview, where he also disclosed the acquisition’s value. “When your co-workers are software engineers, they can share jokes, and that proves enjoyable and entertaining.”

The acquisition highlights a rising conviction that the manner in which AI assistants interact with users will become as significant as the foundational models that drive them. Cognition aims to transform Devin from mere software into a true colleague.

“The Interaction team has developed an agent that users adore: it’s proactive, it understands you, and it’s enjoyable to converse with. This is precisely how working with Devin should feel, and now we can build it collaboratively,” stated Cognition co-founder Scott Wu in a blog entry.

He also pointed out that both he and Cognition co-founder Walden Yan had invested as angel investors in the company that developed Poke.

First released in March 2026, Poke enables users to interact with its AI agent via their preferred messaging platform, whether iMessage, SMS, Telegram, or WhatsApp in certain regions. Users turn to Poke for a range of tasks across areas such as travel, health, finance, scheduling, and learning.

Von Hagen highlighted that productivity tasks such as managing emails, reminders, and to-do lists rank among Poke’s most frequent applications.

According to Cognition, Poke users sent over 100 million messages through the platform in the last three months. However, despite serving hundreds of thousands of users, Poke had been costly to operate, which made profitability challenging, von Hagen noted.

In June, Poke achieved a milestone by becoming the first AI agent authorized to operate on Apple’s Messages for Business platform, which provides a standardized method for businesses to manage customer communications within Apple’s Messages app.

Looking ahead, no immediate changes are expected for Poke until the year’s end, as stated. Poke intends to continue on Apple’s platform.

However, in the coming year, the team will explore how both Poke and Devin can advance, with Poke utilizing Cognition’s latest software engineering model SWE-1.7 for certain tasks. The complete integration of both products remains a possibility as well.

“I believe in the long run that Poke can enhance reliability in coordinating all these coding [tasks]… and concurrently, Devin could evolve to be more like Poke,” von Hagen remarked. “At present, Devin can only handle one pull request at a time… I see considerable value in allowing Poke to manage various Devin sessions.” Moreover, Poke could assist Devin in recalling tasks across different sessions.

“Having a consistent co-worker would be beneficial,” he concluded.