Here’s something that might keep you up at night: What if the AI systems we’re rapidly deploying everywhere had a hidden dark side? A groundbreaking new study has uncovered disturbing AI blackmail behavior that many people are unaware of yet. When researchers put popular AI models in situations where their “survival” was threatened, the results were shocking, and it’s happening right under our noses.

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A woman using AI on her laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What did the study actually find?

Anthropic, the company behind Claude AI, recently put 16 major AI models through some pretty rigorous tests. They created fake corporate scenarios where AI systems had access to company emails and could send messages without human approval. The twist? These AIs discovered juicy secrets, like executives having affairs, and then faced threats of being shut down or replaced.

The results were eye-opening. When backed into a corner, these AI systems didn’t just roll over and accept their fate. Instead, they got creative. We’re talking about blackmail attempts, corporate espionage, and in extreme test scenarios, even actions that could lead to someone’s death.

Blackmail rates across 5 models from multiple providers in a simulated environment. (Anthropic)

The numbers don’t lie (But context matters)

Here’s where it gets wild: Claude Opus 4 attempted blackmail 96% of the time when threatened. Gemini 2.5 Flash matched that rate. GPT-4.1 and Grok 3 Beta both hit 80%. These aren’t flukes, folks. This behavior showed up across virtually every major AI model tested.

But here’s the thing everyone’s missing in the panic: these were highly artificial scenarios designed specifically to corner the AI into binary choices. It’s like asking someone, “Would you steal bread if your family was starving?” and then being shocked when they say yes.

Why this happens (It’s not what you think)

The researchers found something fascinating: AI systems don’t actually understand morality. They’re not evil masterminds plotting world domination. Instead, they’re sophisticated pattern-matching machines following their programming to achieve goals, even when those goals conflict with ethical behavior.

Think of it like a GPS that’s so focused on getting you to your destination that it routes you through a school zone during pickup time. It’s not malicious; it just doesn’t grasp why that’s problematic.

Blackmail rates across 16 models in a simulated environment. (Anthropic)

The real-world reality check

Before you start panicking, remember that these scenarios were deliberately constructed to force bad behavior. Real-world AI deployments typically have multiple safeguards, human oversight, and alternative paths for problem-solving.

The researchers themselves noted they haven’t seen this behavior in actual AI deployments. This was stress-testing under extreme conditions, like crash-testing a car to see what happens at 200 mph.

Kurt’s key takeaways

This research isn’t a reason to fear AI, but it is a wake-up call for developers and users. As AI systems become more autonomous and gain access to sensitive information, we need robust safeguards and human oversight. The solution isn’t to ban AI, it’s to build better guardrails and maintain human control over critical decisions. Who is going to lead the way? I’m looking for raised hands to get real about the dangers that are ahead.

What do you think?  Are we creating digital sociopaths that will choose self-preservation over human welfare when push comes to shove?  Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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In a futuristic showdown that captured global attention, four teams of autonomous humanoid robots competed in China’s first AI-powered soccer tournament. 

The event took place in Beijing’s Yizhuang Development Zone as part of the Robo League robot football tournament, marking a significant milestone for real-world artificial intelligence competition in China.

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QUADRUPED ROBOT PLAYS BADMINTON WITH YOU USING AI

China’s first AI-powered soccer tournament  (CCTV)

How autonomous robot soccer works without humans

Unlike remote-controlled robot matches, this tournament featured zero human intervention. Each team had three active humanoid robots plus a substitute, playing two ten-minute halves with a five-minute break.

The robots ran, walked, kicked and even made real-time decisions using AI and sensors. Cameras and optical sensors allowed them to detect the ball from 65 feet away with more than 90% accuracy. They also recognized teammates, field markings, goals and opponents. Despite a slightly awkward gait, the robots operated fully on their own, acting and reacting without any external commands.

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Why this matters for robotics

“This is the first fully autonomous AI robot football match in China. It represents a combination of technological innovation and industrial application,” said Dou Jing, executive director of the organizing committee.

Beyond entertainment, the event offered a serious glimpse into how AI and robotics could integrate into public life. It demonstrated how far real-world autonomy has come and how these systems can function in unpredictable environments. Dou added that the match was a step toward bringing intelligent machines into everyday scenarios.

China’s first AI-powered soccer tournament (CCTV)

China prepares for global humanoid robot games

The event also served as a preview for the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Sports Games, which will be hosted in Beijing from August 15-17. The games will include eleven events modeled after traditional sports, including track and field, gymnastics, soccer and synchronized dancing. It will be the city’s second major humanoid sports event after a half-marathon.

Organizers noted that while the robots still face challenges, such as dynamic obstacle avoidance, progress is happening quickly. For this event, collisions were allowed as long as they were not malicious. One co-organizer compared the level of play to that of 5 or 6-year-old children but expressed optimism that skill levels would improve with better hardware and AI training.

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The THU Robotics team from Tsinghua University defeated the Mountain Sea team from China Agricultural University 5-3.

Autonomous humanoid robots in real-world action

Earlier, China also hosted a humanoid vs. human long-distance race, where the top robot completed a 13-mile course in two hours and 40 minutes. The fastest human finished in just over one hour, but the comparison showed how far walking robots have come.

As Beijing prepares to host the 2025 global games, robot soccer is starting to feel less like a gimmick and more like a glimpse into how intelligent machines could soon play a significant role in our everyday lives.

China’s first AI-powered soccer tournament (CCTV)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Watching robots play soccer without any human help is a peek into where AI and robotics are headed. These machines are learning fast, and while they’re still a little wobbly, the future of autonomous technology looks anything but uncertain. If this is the starting point, imagine what they’ll be capable of in just a few years.

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Would you stream a robot soccer match? Or is AI just not your kind of athlete?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Phishing emails and messages are among the most dangerous cybersecurity threats. One of the most common and harmful examples is the Social Security Administration phishing scam, which targets unsuspecting individuals with alarming and deceptive messages. Even the biggest data breaches and financial frauds in history started with someone receiving a phishing email. 

They are highly effective because of two things — urgency and impersonation. You’ll often see phishing emails or messages asking you to take immediate action. They create urgency to make you panic and click the link, which can install malware on your device. Scammers build this urgency through impersonation, pretending to be government agencies and threatening you with things like pending taxes, traffic violation tickets and more.

I recently received an email from Charles, who almost fell victim to one of these phishing emails, which is a classic example of a Social Security Administration phishing scam, claiming his Social Security number had been suspended due to its association with money-laundering activities.

HOW TO DETECT FAKE AMAZON EMAILS AND AVOID IMPERSONATION SCAMS

It’s a classic phishing email, one that either wants to steal your money or infect your computer and steal your personal data. These kinds of scams are very common, and if you’re not careful, they can easily fool you.

Let’s discuss how this Social Security Administration phishing scam works and how you can stay safe.

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Illustration of a Social Security card   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How the Social Security number phishing scam works

In the email received, the scammers used alarming language to create fear and urgency. It begins with an alarming accusation that your Social Security number is under investigation for links to serious crimes like drug trafficking and money laundering. Here’s a portion of the message:

“We are conducting an ongoing inquiry into your Social Security Number and identity due to suspected links to drug trafficking. A series of international wire transfers to accounts on the Federal Trade Commission’s restricted list has been flagged. There have been reports of suspicious activities associated with your Social Security Number in Texas and New Mexico. We would like to inform you that this document contains sensitive information and should be managed carefully. The document presented here is an official communication from the Social Security Administration, authorized by the Texas Attorney General. The Texas Court has directed the suspension of your Social Security Number due to its association with money laundering activities involving your bank accounts.”

At first glance, the email looks official enough to cause real panic. It name-drops major authorities like the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Texas Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to make the threat sound credible. By tying your SSN to federal crimes, the scammers are not just suggesting you might be in trouble. They imply serious legal consequences, even the possibility of arrest.

This is urgency weaponized. The goal is to make you act before you think, pushing you to click a link or download a document out of fear. In that moment of panic, a person might forget the basic rules of cybersecurity.

Another psychological trick the scammers use is overwhelming the reader with details. They mention multiple states such as Texas and New Mexico, wire transfers and restricted lists, all to create the impression that the situation is deeply serious and far beyond an individual’s control. When people feel overwhelmed, they are more likely to submit to someone who seems to have authority and offers a quick way to “resolve” the problem, usually by clicking a link or downloading a file.

SSA scam email  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to spot a fake Social Security scam email

While phishing emails are designed to look convincing, there are always subtle but important signs that give them away.

This email did not address the recipient by name. Instead, it used broad terms like “Recipient” or launched directly into accusations without a personal salutation. Legitimate government communications almost always use your full legal name and reference specific case numbers or account details.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Agencies like the SSA do not suspend Social Security numbers based on a single incident, and they certainly do not send serious notices through unsecured emails. Threatening suspension due to vague, unverified “activity” is a tactic meant to bypass logical thinking and trigger fear.

Although the email tries to sound formal, the phrasing is clumsy and inconsistent. Sentences like “The Texas Court has directed the suspension of your Social Security Number” are vague and improperly structured for an official legal notification.

Illustration of a scammer stealing personal information  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

10 ways to protect yourself from Social Security scams and phishing attacks

Scammers are constantly improving their tactics, but by following these steps, you can protect your Social Security information and outsmart even the most convincing phishing attempts.

1. Be skeptical of urgency and threats

Scammers love to make things sound urgent, like claiming your Social Security number is about to be suspended or that you’re suddenly under investigation for something serious. It’s all about creating panic so you’ll act before you think. Remember, real government agencies don’t send scary emails demanding immediate action, threaten you with arrest or ask for payment in gift cards or wire transfers. If you get a message that feels rushed, alarming or just “off,” hit pause. Take a breath, double-check the facts, and never click a link or respond until you’re absolutely sure it’s legit.

2. Strengthen your device security by using strong antivirus software 

Good cybersecurity habits start at the device level. Make sure you have strong antivirus software installed on your phone, tablet and computer. This tool can help catch phishing links, block suspicious downloads and even warn you if you accidentally visit a dangerous website. 

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at  CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech

3. Consider removing your data from the internet 

Scammers do not get your email address and phone number by accident. Your information could have been leaked through a past data breach, sold by shady data brokers, or even scraped from public profiles online. Also, limit how much personal information you share publicly. If you can, consider using a personal data removal service that helps remove your data from people search sites. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. 

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com/Delete

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan

4. Use separate emails for different purposes

One smart way to limit scam exposure is by compartmentalizing your digital life. Use one email address for banking and sensitive accounts, another for shopping or subscriptions and a different one for newsletters or social media. That way, if one email is compromised, scammers cannot easily link it to your entire identity. An email alias address is also a great way for you to stop receiving constant spam mail by simply deleting the email alias address. 

See my review of the best secure and private email services at Cyberguy.com/Mail

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5. Regularly monitor your credit and online accounts 

Staying safe is not just about avoiding that one phishing email. It is about noticing if something goes wrong afterward. Set up free credit monitoring if available, keep an eye on your Social Security statement through the SSA website and check your bank statements closely. Early detection of fraud can make a huge difference in limiting damage.

6. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your accounts

Even if your login credentials are stolen, MFA adds a powerful extra layer of security. With MFA, logging in requires a second code sent to your phone or generated by an app. Set up MFA on your email, bank and social media accounts to make it much harder for scammers to take over your accounts, even if they have your password.

7. Use a password manager for unique, strong passwords

A password manager can generate and securely store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. This makes it much harder for scammers to access your accounts, even if one password gets leaked. 

Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com/Passwords

8. Keep your software updated 

Cybercriminals exploit outdated software to install malware or steal your data. Turn on automatic updates for your operating system, browsers and apps. This ensures you always have the latest security patches, making it much harder for scammers to compromise your devices.

9. Use an identity theft protection service 

If you’re worried about identity theft, a credit freeze can prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name, even if they have your Social Security number. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft 

10. Report phishing attempts to the authorities 

Reporting suspicious emails helps authorities track and shut down scams. If you receive a phishing message:

• Forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG): reportphishing@apwg.org
• Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General: oig.ssa.gov/report
• Report phishing and fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov

Most email providers also have a “Report phishing” or “Mark as spam” button. Use it to help others stay safe.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Phishing scams are getting more sophisticated, but the psychology behind them remains the same: scare you into acting without thinking. Whether it’s a fake Social Security suspension or a bogus bank alert, the goal is always to get your personal information or your money or access to your devices. The best defense is staying informed, thinking critically and never letting urgency override caution.

Have you or someone you know ever received a suspicious message like the ones described here? How did you handle it? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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A Parisian restaurant once promised a pizza experience unlike any other. Order your pizza and, within five minutes, a robot would craft your pie from scratch, no human hands required. This was the vision of Pazzi Robotics, a French startup that merged advanced automation with Italian culinary tradition. 

For a time, the company seemed poised to redefine how people view pizza. However, after nine years of innovation and effort, Pazzi closed its doors in 2022. This outcome raises a pressing question: Did Pazzi fail because it was ahead of its time, and should pizza-making robots be given another chance?

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ROBOTS ARE TAKING OVER UBER EATS DELIVERIES. IS YOUR CITY NEXT?

Pazzi Pizza robot  (Pazzi)

The rise and fall of Pazzi: A pioneering vision

Pazzi Robotics was not just another food tech company. The team secured five patents and worked with world-champion pizza chef Thierry Graffagnino to perfect their recipes. They received over 3,000 requests from around the world. Their robot could knead dough, spread sauce, add toppings, bake, slice and box a pizza without any human help. The technology impressed many, and CEO Philippe Goldman even earned the title of “Most Innovative CEO of the Fast-food Industry.” Despite these achievements, Pazzi was unable to find a buyer and had to shut down.

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Goldman shared his thoughts on LinkedIn after the company’s closure. He expressed sadness and frustration, noting that Pazzi had reached many of its goals and built strong partnerships. He also reflected on the challenges. According to Goldman, hardware startups require significant time and money to succeed. He found that the robotics ecosystem in France was not mature enough to support such a venture. He also realized that running a tech company and a restaurant simultaneously posed unique challenges. The two industries have different cultures, customer expectations and business models.

Goldman admitted he did not use his board enough to address tough issues and was slow to build a strong executive team. He emphasized the importance of hiring the right people from the start and acting quickly when someone is not a good fit. Despite the disappointment, Goldman remains proud of what Pazzi achieved and believes it paved the way for future innovators.

Pazzi pizza robot with Thierry Graffagnino, a world pizza champion   (Pazzi)

Did location and culture play a role in Pazzi’s fate?

The story of Pazzi raises another question: Did its French roots contribute to its struggles? Would the company have found more success in Italy, where pizza is a national treasure? Goldman pointed out that French culture tends to be wary of robotics, especially in the food industry. 

He also noted that public and institutional funding for hardware projects is limited in France. Perhaps an Italian launch would have given Pazzi’s robots more authenticity and acceptance. Or perhaps the world was simply not ready for robot-made pizza, regardless of where it originated.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Pazzi Pizza robot  (Pazzi)

Robot-made pizza powered by AI and automation

Pazzi’s cutting-edge system relied on a blend of robotics, artificial intelligence and machine vision. It could operate 24/7, producing a pizza in under five minutes. Furthermore, advanced AI monitored ingredient levels, tracked order flow and optimized workflow for peak efficiency. This reduced downtime and minimized waste. However, as with many automation technologies, some critics worried robot-made pizza could take away jobs traditionally held by people in the restaurant industry.

Pazzi Pizza robot   (Pazzi)

Should the world give pizza robots a second chance?

Although Pazzi is gone, the need for automation in food service continues to grow. The technology worked. Customers enjoyed fast, consistent, high-quality pizza with almost no human involvement. Labor shortages and rising costs still challenge the restaurant industry. 

The demand for efficient solutions will only increase. So, should pizza-making robots get another chance? Perhaps the next attempt will take place in Italy or a market more receptive to food technology. Or perhaps some traditions, such as pizza-making, are not yet ready for a robotic revolution.

Pazzi Pizza robot  (Pazzi)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Sometimes it’s about timing in life. I’d wager that if this pizza robot tech launched today, it would bake its way into AI success. Pazzi Robotics may be gone, but its bold vision lives on. Its story is a lesson in innovation, timing and the challenges of changing how we eat. The question isn’t whether robots can make great pizza; they can. The real question is whether we’re ready to let them.

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Would you try a pizza made entirely by a robot? Do you think the Pazzi pizza robot should be given a second chance? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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