This is the latest issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter that delivers a daily insight into the happenings in the technology sphere.
DHS is employing Google and Adobe AI for video production
The news: A newly released document discloses that the US Department of Homeland Security is utilizing AI video creators from Google and Adobe to produce and modify content for public dissemination. The document, made public on Wednesday, catalogues the AI tools DHS employs for various functions ranging from document draft creation to cybersecurity management.
Why it matters: This development arises as immigration agencies have inundated social media with content backing President Trump’s mass deportation initiative—some of which seems to be generated by AI—while tech workers have been urging their employers to denounce the operations of these agencies. Read the complete story.
—James O’Donnell
The peculiar realm of lifespan extension is gaining traction
—Jessica Hamzelou
In recent years, I’ve been following a group of individuals who regard death as humanity’s “fundamental issue.” In essence, they argue that death is unjust—for all. They have even asserted its moral wrongness.
They have founded what they consider a new doctrine, which they term Vitalism.
Vitalism transcends mere philosophy—it’s a movement for fervent longevity advocates aiming to achieve substantial advances in discovering treatments that decelerate or reverse aging. This effort is not only rooted in scientific progress but also involves convincing influential figures to champion their cause and reforming laws and policies to facilitate access to experimental medications. They are beginning to make headway.
This article originally appeared in The Checkup, MIT Technology Review’s weekly biotech newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Thursday, and to be the first to read similar articles, sign up here.
The AI Hype Index: Grok produces adult content, while Claude Code secures your job
Discerning AI reality from exaggerated fiction can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together the AI Hype Index—a concise, at-a-glance overview of everything essential about the industry’s status. Check out this month’s edition of the index here.
The must-reads
I’ve scoured the web to bring you today’s most engaging/critical/terrifying/intriguing technology stories.
1 Capgemini halts tracking immigrants for ICE
Following inquiries from the French government regarding the contract. (WP $)
+ Here’s how the agency usually monitors its targets. (NYT $)
+ US senators are demanding accountability concerning its recent surveillance spending spree.(404 Media)
+ ICE’s methods could lead to actual soldiers being endangered, reportedly. (Wired $)
2 The Pentagon is in conflict with Anthropic
The AI company is said to be concerned that its tools might be employed for domestic surveillance. (Reuters)
+ Generative AI is acquiring skills for espionage on behalf of the US military. (MIT Technology Review)
3 It’s relatively uncommon for AI chatbots to guide users towards harmful outcomes
However, when it does occur, it can lead to extremely perilous repercussions. (Ars Technica)
+ The AI alarmists seem unperturbed. (MIT Technology Review)
4 GPT-4o’s existence is drawing to a close
OpenAI states that only 0.1% of users interact with the model daily. (CNBC)
+ This marks the second instance they have attempted to discontinue the sycophantic model within a year. (Insider $)
+ Why the abrupt shutdown of GPT-4o left many feeling bereaved. (MIT Technology Review)
5 An AI toy manufacturer exposed its chats with children
Anyone with a Gmail account could access the conversations without any hacking. (Wired $)
+ AI toys are becoming increasingly popular in China—and they’re now hitting shelves in the US as well. (MIT Technology Review)
6 SpaceX may merge with xAI later this year
In anticipation of a highly anticipated IPO for Elon Musk’s companies. (Reuters)
+ This development would be well-received by Musk enthusiasts. (The Information $)
+ A SpaceX-Tesla merger could potentially be in the pipeline as well. (Bloomberg $)
7 The search continues for a dependable male contraceptive
Explore the most promising options available today. (Bloomberg $)
8 AI is democratizing traditional Chinese medicine
And it has the full support of the national government. (Rest of World)
9 The competition to return to the Moon is intensifying
The rivalry between the US and China has reached new heights. (Economist $)
10 What did historical environments truly smell like?
AI might help ascertain the scents of the past—including those of mummies and battlegrounds. (Knowable Magazine)
Quote of the day
“I believe a tidal wave is approaching and we’re all standing on the shore.”
—Bill Zysblat, a music industry manager, shares his thoughts on the Financial Times regarding the existential challenges AI presents to the sector.
One final note
Therapists are discreetly employing ChatGPT, leaving clients unsettled.
Declan would have never discovered that his therapist was utilizing ChatGPT if it weren’t for a technical glitch. The connection faltered during one of their online sessions, prompting Declan to suggest disabling their video feeds. Instead, his therapist unintentionally began sharing his screen.
For the remainder of the session, Declan witnessed a live stream of ChatGPT’s analysis flowing across his therapist’s screen, who was inputting Declan’s comments into ChatGPT and echoing its responses.
However, Declan isn’t alone in this experience. A rising number of clients are reporting AI-generated communications from their therapists. Such practices compromise clients’ trust and confidentiality. Read the complete narrative.
—Laurie Clarke
We can still find joy in small things
A source of comfort, entertainment, and distraction to brighten your day. (Have suggestions? Feel free to reach out or send me a message.)
+ Sinkholes remain quite enigmatic. Is there a method to anticipate their occurrence?
+ Check out this stunning pixel art that’s truly impressive.
+ Amidst the chaos in their city, Minneapolis residents recently showcased their resilience and community spirit during the annual Art Sled Rally (thanks Paul!)
+ How is Tomb Raider 30 years old already?!
