This is the current edition of The Download, our daily newsletter that delivers a regular update on what’s happening in the realm of technology.
Three key points about the future of electricity
The International Energy Agency has recently unveiled the newest edition of the World Energy Outlook, the yearly report that assesses the present condition of global energy and anticipates future developments.
This report includes intriguing insights and several unexpected statistics regarding electricity, power grids, and the impact of climate change. Let’s explore some figures.
—Casey Crownhart
This article is featured in The Spark, MIT Technology Review’s weekly climate newsletter. To receive it every Wednesday, subscribe here.
Navigating the new era of conspiracies
The New Conspiracy Age” examines how conspiracy theories have taken hold in the White House, transforming fringe thoughts into risky policies, and how generative AI is reshaping the essence of truth.
If you’re curious about how to navigate this unusual new era, join our features editor Amanda Silverman and executive editor Niall Firth today at 1pm ET for an exclusive subscriber Roundtable discussion. They will be accompanied by conspiracy specialist Mike Rothschild, who has penned a captivating article about what it feels like to be at the center of a conspiracy. Sign up now to participate!
Essential reads
I’ve scoured the web to bring you today’s most entertaining/important/scary/intriguing stories about technology.
1 Donald Trump is ready to prohibit state laws on AI
The US President is contemplating an order to grant the federal government sole authority over AI regulation. (The Verge)
+ This would empower the Justice Department to litigate against non-compliant states. (WP $)
+ Opponents argue the draft erodes confidence in the US’s capacity to ensure AI safety. (Wired $)
+ It’s not solely an American issue—the EU has stumbled in its efforts to regulate AI, as well. (FT $)
2 The CDC has issued misleading statements about a connection between vaccines and autism
After having spent many years combating misinformation linking them. (WP $)
+ The National Institutes of Health is echoing RFK Jr’s narratives as well. (The Atlantic $)
3 China is fully committing to autonomous vehicles
This poses a significant challenge to its vast number of delivery drivers. (FT $)
+ It’s also vigorously supporting its domestic EV industry. (Rest of World)
5 Leading music labels have partnered with an AI streaming service
Klay users will have the capability to reimagine songs from companies like Universal using AI. (Bloomberg $)
+ What unfolds next is anyone’s guess. (Billboard $)
+ AI is encroaching on the music industry as well. (MIT Technology Review)
5 How quantum sensors may revolutionize GPS navigation
The current GPS system is susceptible to spoofing and jamming. What comes next? (WSJ $)
+ Inside the competition to discover GPS alternatives. (MIT Technology Review)
6 A rift exists among individuals in relationships with chatbots
Some users believe their romantic connections are genuine—raising concerns among others. (NY Mag $)
+ It’s remarkably easy to enter into a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot. (MIT Technology Review)
7 There remains hope for a viable cure for HIV
Despite severe funding reductions. (Knowable Magazine)
+ The breakthrough drug lenacapavir is being rolled out in certain regions of Africa. (NPR)
+ This annual injection may safeguard against HIV infections. (MIT Technology Review)
8 Is reversing years of AI-induced cognitive decline achievable?
A new surge of memes is promoting positive change. (Wired $)
+ Strategies to repair the internet. (MIT Technology Review)
9 Tourists were misled by an AI-generated Christmas market near Buckingham Palace 🎄
If it appears too perfect, it may be deceptive. (The Guardian)
+ The identity of the creators behind the images, which circulated on Instagram, remains unknown. (BBC)
10 Here’s what items are commonly returned to Amazon
A significant amount of polyester apparel, it seems. (NYT $)
Quote of the day
“I believe we’re in an LLM bubble, and I suspect the LLM bubble might burst next year.”
—Hugging Face co-founder and CEO Clem Delangue offers a unique perspective on the prevailing narrative regarding an AI bubble, as reported by TechCrunch.
One additional note
Exploring a new initiative to protect the “doomsday glacier”
The Thwaites glacier, a massive formation larger than Florida, stands at nearly 4,000 feet above the West Antarctic bedrock, serving as a barrier for the low-lying ice sheet hidden behind it.
However, a potent, warm ocean current is undermining its structure and hastening its descent into the ocean. Scientists worry the waters could dismantle the walls in upcoming decades, triggering an uncontrollable series of events that could fracture the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, heralding a global climate catastrophe. Thus, they are keen to ascertain the likelihood of such a collapse, its timing, and whether we can prevent it. Read the complete story.
—James Temple
We can still find joy in life
A space for comfort, enjoyment, and delight to lighten your day. (Have any suggestions? Send me a message or shoot me a message.)
+ With Christmas on the horizon, micro-gifting could be an exciting new custom to explore.
+ I’ve mentioned this before and I’ll repeat it—movies are excessively lengthy+ If you’re feeling a bit contemplative this morning, these books provide great starting points for discovering a sense of purpose.
+ This is a delightful compilation of the internet’s quirky and amazing obsessive lists.
