This is the latest issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter offering a daily snapshot of the happenings in the technology sector.
US officials are employing AI to identify child abuse images created by AI
The advent of generative AI has led to an alarming rise in the creation of child sexual abuse images. In response, the foremost investigator of child exploitation in the US is testing AI to differentiate between images generated by AI and those depicting actual victims, per a new government document.
The Cyber Crimes Center of the Department of Homeland Security, which looks into child exploitation that crosses international boundaries, has awarded a $150,000 contract to Hive AI, based in San Francisco, for its software that determines if content has been generated by AI. Read the entire article.
—James O’Donnell
On the horizon: our 2025 list of Climate Tech Companies to Watch
The urgency to reduce emissions and adjust to our increasingly warmer planet is escalating. This year, we’ve witnessed unprecedented temperature highs, as has occurred almost every year in the past decade. Climate-induced natural calamities are having a profound impact on communities worldwide, incurring costs in the billions.
For this reason, MIT Technology Review has spent the last two years curating a collection of companies that hold promise in making significant strides in tackling climate change (you can revisit the 2024 list here). We’re thrilled to announce that our third edition of Climate Tech Companies to Watch will be published on October 6. Find out what’s in store for this year’s list.
—Casey Crownhart
The essential reads
I’ve searched the internet to uncover today’s most interesting/important/terrifying/captivating stories in technology.
1 ChatGPT introduces its parental controls
The model is now capable of notifying parents and law enforcement when users under 18 discuss self-harm or suicide. (Wired $)
+ This feature comes at a time when chatbot developers face mounting pressure to enhance safety. (Bloomberg $)
+ The upcoming crackdown on AI companionship. (MIT Technology Review)
2 Companies’ AI expenditures are skyrocketing
And there’s no certainty whether they’ll ever see a return on their spending. (WSJ $)
+ Some venture capitalists are convinced that AI is the quickest route to profit. (TechCrunch)
+ Investors are contemplating what areas to explore beyond AI. (Reuters)
3 Even oil executives express concern over Trump’s opposition to offshore wind
Restricting renewables now poses future challenges for conventional energy. (NYT $)
+ The extent of the Trump administration’s intervention is staggering. (The Guardian)
+ Strategies for achieving clean energy advancements under Trump in various states. (MIT Technology Review)
4 How America is winning the battle against urban fires
Making homes resistant to fire hazards isn’t glamorous, but it is vital. (Vox)
+ The role of AI in detecting wildfires. (MIT Technology Review)
5 Leading AI companies are fully committing to world models
These models leverage video and robotic data, not just language. (FT $)
+ Experts believe they are essential for ushering in the next generation of AI. (WSJ $)
6 China is accelerating the electrification of freight trucks
Not satisfied with dominating the electric vehicle sector, it is now targeting larger vehicles. (Rest of World)
+ Projected battery-powered vehicle sales in the US are set to decline. (NYT $)
7 The costs of relying on AI translation
Subtlety and cultural nuances are often the first casualties. (WP $)
+ The impact of AI and Wikipedia on endangered languages spiraling into decline. (MIT Technology Review)
8 The ethical dilemmas of gene-editing nature
Our capability does not imply moral rightness. (Aeon)
+ The brief, unusual journey of gene de-extinction. (MIT Technology Review)
9 This robotics company utilizes AI for cleaning the underside of large ships 🚢
Neptune Robotics aims to become the Uber for hull-cleaning. (Bloomberg $)
10 Talent agencies are eager to sign this AI-generated actress
We are witnessing the end times. (Deadline $)
+ The odd phenomenon of the Twin Peaks subreddit becoming a hub for AI-generated content. (404 Media)
+ An AI-generated hologram of Stan Lee, the creator of Marvel Comics, is not receiving much attention. (Ars Technica)
Quote of the day
“There’s immense pressure to be the company that escalated from zero to $100 million in a matter of days.”
—An unnamed VC shares insights with Fortune regarding the overwhelming pressure on startups amidst the prevailing AI hype.
One last thing
The rise of DeepSeek as a fortune teller for China’s youth
As DeepSeek establishes itself as a local competitor to OpenAI, young individuals across China are beginning to tap into AI to rejuvenate fortune-telling customs that have deep cultural significance.
Users are sharing AI-generated readings, trying out fortune-telling prompt crafting, and exploring ancient spiritual texts, all facilitated by DeepSeek.
This surge in AI fortune-telling occurs amidst widespread anxiety and disillusionment within Chinese society. As spiritual traditions remain suppressed by the government, digital technologies are empowering younger generations to cultivate a sense of agency over their lives. Read the entire article.
—Caiwen Chen
We can still enjoy pleasant things
A space for relaxation, enjoyment, and distraction to brighten your day. (Got any suggestions? Let me know or send them my way.)
+ This website reveals what was making headlines on your birthday.
+ This electrifying song from South Korean band Silica Gel proves that rock is still thriving.
+ Take a few moments to explore Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights.
+ Have fun with this map that lets you traverse movie locations across the globe.
