China’s OpenClaw Craze Spurs Surge In Secondhand Mac Demand

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 19, 2026

AI Adoption And Market Dynamics

Consumers in Beijing are adopting the OpenClaw AI agent, which can perform tasks such as sending emails and making online purchases. Demand for the tool is contributing to higher prices for secondhand Mac computers, reflecting the increased need for compatible devices. Trend follows earlier periods of elevated demand for personal computing devices, including the pandemic-driven surge in laptop purchases.

Security Concerns And Strategic Adaptation

As described by Jeremy Ji, Chief Strategy Officer and General Manager of International Business at ATRenew, many users prefer running OpenClaw on a secondary device or cloud server to safeguard personal data from potential security breaches. This precaution arises from the risk that letting the software access one’s primary computer might expose sensitive information such as banking details. The cautious adoption parallels broader approaches in cybersecurity, where businesses often isolate critical systems to mitigate risk.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Rising Demand For Secondhand Mac Devices

Demand for OpenClaw is supporting growth in the secondhand Mac market. ATRenew, a reseller of used electronics working with Apple and JD.com, reported stable pricing for Apple products during the spring period. Ji said new MacBooks typically cost about 15% more than used models. Increased demand has led to efforts to expand the supply of pre-owned devices, with current trends expected to continue through the year.

Industry Endorsements And Broader Implications

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang described OpenClaw as “definitely the next ChatGPT,” citing rapid adoption as an open-source project. Growth in AI usage is also contributing to rising demand for hardware components, including memory chips used in smartphones and laptops. Apple’s in-house chips support performance in devices such as Mac Mini, contributing to demand for compatible hardware. Companies, including Tencent, are integrating AI agents to increase user engagement. Adoption of AI tools is influencing demand for computing devices and reshaping secondary markets in consumer electronics.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Meta’s $18 Billion Settlement Limits State Claims Over Children’s Data

by News Editor

August 28, 2026

Meta’s $18 billion settlement with attorneys general from 29 U.S. states includes a provision limiting future state claims over the company’s use of children’s data for age-assurance systems.

Under the agreement, Meta must develop, train and begin testing a system to identify users under 13 within a year of the settlement taking effect. The company already uses AI-based age-detection tools, although the agreement does not require the new system to use AI.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

States Agree To Limits On Future Claims

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) generally restricts the collection and retention of personal data from children under 13. Under the settlement, the 29 state attorneys general agreed not to bring past, present or future claims under COPPA or similar state laws over the specified use of children’s data.

Meta will not be permitted to use information from users under 13 for advertising, marketing or algorithmic optimisation.

Federal Enforcement Remains Unclear

COPPA is primarily enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which is not a party to the agreement. That leaves open the possibility of separate federal action over how Meta collects or uses children’s data.

Another issue is whether Meta can keep age-assurance data isolated from its other systems. An independent auditor will monitor compliance, but the settlement does not fully specify what data Meta can retain for training, how long it can be stored or whether derived insights can be used elsewhere.

Legal Risks Remain

Joshua Wurtzel, a partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan, said states could still pursue claims if Meta uses the data outside the settlement’s limits. Such cases could depend on how those limits are interpreted.

Peter Jackson, a data and intellectual property attorney at Greenberg Glusker, said the provision could “disincentivize future enforcement actions.”

The agreement gives Meta greater legal certainty around using children’s data for age assurance, but questions remain over federal enforcement, data retention and secondary use.

Breaking news