This is the latest installment of The Download, our weekday newsletter that delivers a daily overview of the happenings in the realm of technology.
Potential Applications of OpenAI’s Technology in Iran
OpenAI has controversially consented to provide the Pentagon with access to its AI technology. But precisely where might its tech be utilized, and which uses will its clients and staff accept?
There is a push to rapidly integrate it with current military systems. A defense official disclosed it could even aid in targeting strike missions. OpenAI’s collaboration with Anduril, known for its drones and counter-drone systems, further hints at the future possibilities.
AI has historically been employed for military intelligence. However, the application of generative AI’s insights to field operations is undergoing serious testing for the first time in Iran. Read the complete story.
—James O’Donnell
This story is part of The Algorithm, our weekly newsletter focused on AI.Subscribe to receive it in your inbox every Monday.
The must-reads
I’ve sifted through the internet to bring you the day’s most entertaining/important/scary/fascinating technology stories.
1 xAI has been sued over AI-generated child sexual exploitation material
Victims allege Grok was designed to produce adult content from images of real individuals. (WP $)
+ There’s a thriving market for bespoke deepfake pornography.(MIT Technology Review)
2 In a global first, China has sanctioned a brain implant for commercial use
The BCI has received approval for treating paralysis. (Nature)
+ Brain implants are gradually becoming consumer products. (MIT Technology Review)
+ Some are being aided by generative AI.(MIT Technology Review)
3 Anthropic is hiring a weaponry specialist to avert “catastrophic abuse” of its AI
They seek candidates with experience in “chemical weapons and/or explosive defenses.” (BBC)
+ Anthropic’s ties with the White House are severely strained.(MIT Technology Review)
4 Nvidia anticipates “at least” $1 trillion in AI chip earnings by the closing of next year
However, the optimistic forecast failed to impress investors on Wall Street. (FT $)
+ Nvidia has partnered with Bolt to develop robotaxis in Europe.(Engadget)
5 OpenAI intends to redirect its focus to software development and business clients
Key areas where its competitor Anthropic has already established dominance. (WSJ $)
6 President Trump has created divisions among Republicans regarding AI
And this split led to a comprehensive AI bill failing in Florida. (NYT $)
+ Trump fell for a fake AI video once more.(Reuters)
7 The US is urging the WTO to impose a permanent ban on e-commerce tariffs
Brazil, India, and South Africa are against the initiative. (Bloomberg)
8 OpenAI’s mental health experts opposed the rollout of ChatGPT’s “adult mode”
One claimed it could lead to the creation of a “sexy suicide coach” for at-risk users. (Ars Technica)
+ AI is already reshaping relationships.(MIT Technology Review)
9 A witness was caught using smart glasses in court and blamed ChatGPT
He was receiving real-time legal guidance through the glasses. (404 Media)
+ AI is causing legal mistakes in courtrooms.(MIT Technology Review)
10 Some believe Benjamin Netanyahu is an AI imitation
Despite his assertions to the contrary. (The Verge)
+ Generative AI is exacerbating misinformation and propaganda.(MIT Technology Review)
Quote of the day
“The inference inflection has arrived.”
—Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang asserts we’ve reached a crucial juncture where AI adoption is outpacing its evolution, AP reports.
One More Thing
Meet the radio-savvy civilian influencing Ukraine’s drone defenses
Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov is, unofficially, a spy. Monthly, he drives to the frontlines in a VW van outfitted with radio equipment, rooftop antennas, and devices that track drones. Over a few days, he scans the skies for signals that aid Ukrainian forces.
Drones are pivotal in this harsh conflict, with most depending on the radio communications Flash has been passionate about since childhood. Although now a civilian, the former officer has taken it upon himself to provide his country’s defense with insights related to radio.
Distinct from conventional spies, Flash disseminates his findings to over 127,000 followers—including soldiers and officials—on social platforms. His efforts have garnered praise from the military, but have also stirred controversy among the top command. Read the complete story.
—Charlie Metcalfe
We can still enjoy nice things
A space for comfort, amusement, and distraction to uplift your day. (Have any suggestions? Send me a message.)
+ A recently mapped spiral galaxy 65 million light-years from Earth is absolutely stunning.
+ Longing for the days of TV guides? A new app revives them for YouTube.
+ Shameless promotion: MIT’s Heirloom House illustrates that homes can endure for a millennium.
+ This musical dog supergroup is creating truly fur-midable tunes (apologies).
