Presenting today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter offering a daily glimpse into the happenings in the tech world.
The animal welfare initiative in the Bay Area seeks AI support
In early February, advocates for animal welfare and AI researchers gathered in their socks at Mox, a lively coworking space in San Francisco where shoes are not allowed. They convened to explore a provocative thought: if artificial general intelligence is nearing reality, could it aid in alleviating animal suffering?
Some were brainstorming the application of custom agents for advocacy, while others proposed developing lab-grown meat with AI technologies. However, the buzz of the event revolved around a surge of funding anticipated to soon be directed towards animal welfare organizations, not from wealthy individual donors, but from employees of AI laboratories.
Additionally, some participants examined a more contentious notion: AI could potentially gain the ability to suffer—and this scenario might represent a moral disaster. Read the complete story to discover why these perspectives are gaining traction and generating debate.
—Michelle Kim & Grace Huckins
Essential reads
I’ve searched the web to bring you today’s most enjoyable/significant/alarming/captivating stories relating to technology.
1 The White House has released its AI policy framework
Trump urges Congress to codify the minimal guidelines into law. (Politico)
+ He also aims to prevent state restrictions on AI. (WP $)
+ There’s a growing backlash against this tech within MAGA supporters. (FT $)
+ A dispute over AI regulation is starting to take shape in the US. (MIT Technology Review)
2 Elon Musk has been deemed liable for deceiving Twitter investors
A jury concluded that he committed fraud against shareholders prior to the $44 billion purchase. (CNBC)
+ However, he was exonerated from some fraud charges. (NPR)
3 The Pentagon is implementing Palantir AI as its primary military system
This decision ensures long-term deployment of Palantir’s weapon-targeting technology. (Reuters)
+ The DoD intends for it to connect sensors and shooters in combat scenarios. (Bloomberg)
+ Palantir is also obtaining access to sensitive UK financial regulatory information. (Guardian)
+ AI is transforming the Iran conflict into a spectacle. (MIT Technology Review)
4 Musk is set to establish the largest chip fabrication plant ever in Austin
Tesla and SpaceX will co-manage this venture. (The Verge)
+ Future AI chips might be produced on glass substrates. (MIT Technology Review)
5 OpenAI plans to display ads to all US users utilizing the free ChatGPT version
It’s exploring new avenues for revenue in light of soaring computing expenses. (Reuters)
+ The organization is also developing a fully automated research assistant.(MIT Technology Review)
+ They intend to double their staff soon. (FT $)
6 New cryptocurrency regulations are poised to benefit the Trumps significantly
Especially regarding the limited definitions in securities. (Guardian)
7 Tencent has integrated a version of the OpenClaw agent into WeChat
Users of this super app can now employ the tool to manage their PCs. (SCMP)
8 Reddit is considering identity verification to eliminate bots
It’s exploring “something akin to” Face ID or Touch ID. (Engadget)
9 People are employing AI to locate their missing pets
Databases aimed at pet reunifications supported their efforts. (WP $)
10 Researchers have narrowed the search for extraterrestrial life to 45 specific planets
The nearest one is merely four light-years from our planet. (404 Media)
Quote of the day
“It doesn’t matter how many individuals you assign to the issue; we are never going to address the challenges of war without technologies like AI.”
—Alex Miller, the US Army’s CTO, explains to Wired his rationale for wanting AI in every weapon system.
A Final Note
A brain implant transformed her life. Then it was extracted against her wishes.
Implanting an electrode in a person’s brain can accomplish more than just treat an illness. Consider Rita Leggett, an Australian woman whose trial brain implant altered her sense of agency and self. Researchers learned from her that she “felt as one” with the device.
She was heartbroken when, two years later, she was informed that the implant needed to be removed because the manufacturer had gone out of business.
Her situation underscores the urgent need for a new category of legal safeguards: neuro rights. Discover how they could be safeguarded.
—Jessica Hamzelou
We can still appreciate lovely things
A space for enjoyment, relaxation, and diversion to uplift your spirits. (Have any suggestions? Share with me.)
+ Looking for stunning views? Earth’s longest line of sight has been confirmed.
+ An ancient endorsement of sin serves as a timely reminder that we all make mistakes.
+ Richard Nadler’s artwork of vertical societies is intricately detailed.
+ This 1978 BBC film poignantly explores our tendency to stress over reliance on technology.
