This is the current edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that delivers a daily overview of what’s happening in the technology sector.
Threats of death were issued to this cybersecurity expert. Major error.
In April 2024, an enigmatic individual operating under the aliases “Waifu” and “Judische” started issuing death threats on Telegram and Discord targeting a cybersecurity expert named Allison Nixon.
These unidentified characters focused on Nixon due to her emergence as a significant threat: As the chief research officer at the cyber investigation firm Unit 221B, named after the residence of Sherlock Holmes, she had established a career in tracking cybercriminals and assisting in their apprehension.
Despite her years of experience, Nixon was baffled as to why the individual behind the usernames was abruptly threatening her. Though she had previously taken interest in the Waifu persona because of crimes he claimed to have committed, he had fallen off her radar when the threats commenced, as she was occupied with other targets.
It was then that Nixon decided to unveil Waifu/Judische and the others accountable for the death threats—and bring them to justice for the offenses they acknowledged. Read the complete story.
—Kim Zetter
This narrative comes from the forthcoming print issue of MIT Technology Review magazine, centered on crime. If you haven’t yet, subscribe today to receive upcoming editions when they arrive.
ALS robbed this artist of his voice. AI restored his ability to sing.
The audience is moved to tears as Patrick Darling’s song begins. It’s a poignant tribute to his great-grandfather, whom he never had the opportunity to meet. This performance is significant not only for its emotional weight: It marks Darling’s return to the stage with his bandmates after losing his vocal ability two years prior.
The 32-year-old musician was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at 29. Like other forms of motor neuron disease, it impacts the nerves that control the body’s muscles. Individuals with ALS eventually become unable to control their muscles, including those necessary for movement, speech, and breathing.
Darling’s last public performance occurred over two years ago. By that time, he had already lost his ability to stand and play and was struggling to find his voice. Recently, however, he managed to recreate his lost voice using an AI tool that analyzed snippets from old recordings. Another AI tool has allowed him to utilize this “voice clone” to create new music. Darling can make music once more. Read the complete story.
—Jessica Hamzelou
The essential readings
I’ve scoured the web to bring you today’s most entertaining/important/frightening/intriguing technology stories.
1 The creator of OpenClaw joins OpenAI
Sam Altman was notably impressed by Peter Steinberger’s concepts for enabling agents to interact with one another. (The Verge)
+ This move reflects how seriously OpenAI is approaching agents. (FT $)
+ Moltbook exemplified peak AI theatrics. (MIT Technology Review)
2 North Korea’s methods for illegally financing its nuclear initiatives
A defector outlines how he misled remote IT workers to channel money into its missile program.(WSJ $)
+ Nuclear issues are currently a hot topic across Europe. (The Atlantic $)
3 Radio host David Greene believes Google appropriated his voice
He is suing the corporation over resemblances between his unique vocals and the AI-generated voice in its NotebookLM app. (WP $)
+ Users are utilizing Google’s study tool to create AI-driven podcasts. (MIT Technology Review)
4 US automotive manufacturers fear a potential Chinese assault
They are concerned Trump might allow Chinese automakers to establish manufacturing in the US. (FT $)
+ China has learned how to market EVs. Next, it must tackle the issue of their old batteries. (MIT Technology Review)
5 Google minimizes safety alerts regarding its AI-generated health guidance
Extended warnings appear only when a user opts to ‘Show more.’ (The Guardian)
+ Here’s one more reason to keep a close eye on AI Overviews. (Wired $)
+ AI companies have ceased alerting you that their chatbots aren’t medical professionals. (MIT Technology Review)
6 How to make Lidar accessible for every vehicle
An affordable compact device could be the solution. (IEEE Spectrum)
7 Robot battle nights are becoming a hit in San Francisco
Move over, Super Bowl! (Rest of World)
+ Humanoid robots will take the spotlight during Lunar New Year festivities. (Reuters)
8 Influencers and TikTok creators are giving their infants butter
However, there’s a lack of scientific validation for some of their assertions. (NY Mag $)
9 This couple can’t communicate in the same language
Microsoft Translator has aided them in maintaining their marriage. (NYT $)
+ Scams related to AI romance are rising. (Vox)
10 AI aims to develop better, more immersive gaming experiences
However, these aspirations might never be realized. (The Verge)
+ Google DeepMind is utilizing Gemini to train agents in Goat Simulator 3. (MIT Technology Review)
Quotation of the day
“At this moment, this is a primitive version. Yet I believe it poses significant concerns for what’s ahead.”
—Scott Shambaugh, a software engineer who has become the target of a scathing blog written by an AI bot accusing him of hypocrisy and bias, tells the Wall Street Journal why this might just be the beginning.
One final thought
Why do so many believe the Fruit of the Loom emblem featured a cornucopia?
Quick inquiry: Does the Fruit of the Loom insignia contain a cornucopia?
Numerous individuals have been donning the company’s T-shirts for years, yet the question of whether the logo includes a woven brown horn of plenty remains surprisingly debated.
A 2022 survey revealed that 55% of Americans think the logo does show a cornucopia, 25% are unsure, and only 21% truly believe it doesn’t, although this last group is correct.
This phenomenon has a name: the “Mandela effect,” or collective false memory, named because several individuals mistakenly recall that Nelson Mandela died while imprisoned. While many can easily dismiss their unconfirmable beliefs, some invest years pursuing answers—and validation. Read the full narrative.
—Amelia Tait
We still deserve enjoyable experiences
A space for comfort, amusement, and diversion to enhance your day. (Do you have suggestions? Send me a message or contact me.)
+ When dating platforms meet book lovers, who knows what could unfold.
+ It turns out humans have a hidden third set of teeth, which is utterly astonishing.
+ We may never ascertain the exact configuration of the universe. What’s the reason behind that?
+ If your salad seems lacking, a few crispy lentils might just be the ideal addition.
