Here is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter designed to offer a daily insight into the happenings in the world of technology.
Microsoft unveils a new strategy to distinguish reality from AI online
Deceptive AI technologies have infiltrated our digital existence. Some instances are blatant and easily identifiable, while others subtly invade social media and accumulate impressions.
In response to this chaos, Microsoft has proposed a framework, disclosed to MIT Technology Review, aimed at validating what is factual on the internet.
A safety research group focused on AI at the company has recently scrutinized how current practices for documenting digital alterations withstand the challenges posed by alarming AI advancements like interactive deepfakes and highly realistic models that are readily available. They have suggested technical standards that could be embraced by AI developers and social media networks. Read the entire article.
—James O’Donnell
Community service: a short tale
In a not-so-distant future, individuals are drafted to eliminate perceived risks to human life. In this short story from the latest print magazine, author Micaiah Johnson explores the emotional impact this could impose on everyday individuals. Read the complete story and if you haven’t yet, subscribe today to receive the next edition of the magazine.
Measles cases are increasing. Other vaccine-preventable diseases could follow.
A measles outbreak is occurring near my location. Since the beginning of this year, 34 cases have been reported in Enfield, a borough in northern London.
This is yet another troubling trend for a highly infectious and potentially deadly illness. Since October of last year, South Carolina has confirmed 962 measles cases. Significant outbreaks (involving over 50 confirmed cases) are taking place in four states across the US. Smaller clusters are surfacing in 12 additional states.
The overwhelming majority of these cases involve children who have not received complete vaccinations. Vaccine hesitancy is considered a major factor contributing to children not obtaining essential vaccinations. If we are witnessing an uptick in measles cases at present, we may soon anticipate a rise in other vaccine-preventable infections, including those that could lead to liver cancer or meningitis. Read the full story.
—Jessica Hamzelou
This article was originally published in The Checkup, MIT Technology Review’s weekly biotech newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Thursday and to read articles like this ahead of everyone else, sign up here.
The essential reads
I’ve sifted through the internet to bring you today’s most entertaining/critical/alarming/captivating stories regarding technology.
1 The US Environmental Protection Agency is under legal scrutiny
Health and environmental advocacy groups have charged it with neglecting its responsibility to safeguard the public. (The Guardian)
2 Amazon’s cloud division faced two outages linked to its AI technologies
In one instance, its Kiro AI coding tool opted to erase and recreate a section of a system. (FT $)
+ Amazon monitors employee interactions with AI on a daily basis. (The Information $)+ Security-minded tech companies are limiting employees’ use of OpenClaw. (Wired $)
3 AI is facilitating the theft of tech trade secrets
It is also rendering these secrets more valuable. (WSJ $)
+ Two former Google employees have been charged with unjustly acquiring trade secrets. (Bloomberg $)
4 What a counterfeit viral ICE tip-off hotline reveals about America
One tip was made by a teacher reporting a kindergartner’s parents. (WP $)
+ The agency’s software may expedite deportations. (Economist $)
+ The process of an ICE detention in reality. (New Yorker $)
+ An internet figure is polarizing those protesting in the streets of Minneapolis. (The Verge)
5 The quantity of harmful apps submitted to Google’s app marketplace is decreasing
A change that Google attributes to its enhanced AI protective measures. (TechCrunch)
+ Watch out for the increasing presence of the vibe-coded music app. (The Verge)
6 “Digital blackface” is gaining traction
Generative AI tools rooted in racial stereotypes are being utilized by individuals who do not identify as Black. (The Guardian)
+ OpenAI is significant in India. Its models are influenced by caste bias. (MIT Technology Review)
7 Grok revealed a porn actor’s legal identity and birth date
Without even being directly prompted for the details. (404 Media)
8 India is adopting deepfakes of deceased loved ones
However, the effect of such videos on the long-term grieving process remains uncertain. (Rest of World)
+ China has a thriving market for deepfakes that replicate the deceased. (MIT Technology Review)
9 Products related to longevity are booming
We could potentially spend up to $8 trillion annually on these by 2030. But do they deliver results? (The Atlantic $)
+ Introducing the Vitalists: die-hard longevity enthusiasts who perceive death as “wrong.” (MIT Technology Review)
10 An AI-generated film will not be screened in theaters after all
In the wake of significant public backlash following AMC Theatres’ plan to present a short AI film titled Thanksgiving Day. (Hollywood Reporter)
+ The antagonist in the upcoming Toy Story installment is screen time as portrayed in the trailer. (Insider $)
+ How do AI systems produce videos? (MIT Technology Review)
Quote of the day
“Only Big Oil gains from Trump’s denouncement of climate science and encouraging cars and trucks to consume and pollute more.”
—David Pettit, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, explains the motivations behind the Center’s lawsuit against the US Environmental Protection Agency regarding its decision to revoke a vital climate verdict, Ars Technica reports.
One more thing
What became of the microfinance initiative Kiva?
Since its inception in 2005, the nonprofit Kiva based in San Francisco has assisted ordinary individuals in making microloans to borrowers worldwide. It links lenders in affluent communities to support various entrepreneurs, from bakers in Mexico to farmers in Albania. Its primary goal is empowering impoverished individuals to uplift themselves.
However, in August 2021, Kiva lenders began observing that crucial information required for making lending decisions was becoming more elusive. Currently, lenders are concerned that the organization appears to prioritize profit over making a difference. Read the entire article.
—Mara Kardas-Nelson
We can still enjoy nice things
A haven for comfort, fun, and distraction to elevate your day. (Have any suggestions? Send me a message or share your thoughts with me.)
+ Is there a greater remix than this? I’m skeptical.
+ These images of Scotland highlight just how stunning it—and its wildlife—is.
+ It’s time to roll the dice and see where you land—this random website generator is entertaining.
+ I’m somewhat cautious about the “smiling fossil” just found on Holy Island.
