The must-reads
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 ChatGPT’s parental controls are now live
The model can now alert parents and law enforcement when users under 18-years old discuss self harm or suicide. (Wired $)
+ The feature launches as chatbot makers face increasing pressure to improve safety. (Bloomberg $)
+ The looming crackdown on AI companionship. (MIT Technology Review)
2 Companies’ AI spending is spiralling out of control
And it’s unclear whether they’ll ever get returns on their investments. (WSJ $)
+ Some VCs are convinced AI is the best way to make a quick buck. (TechCrunch)
+ Investors are wondering what to invest in beyond AI. (Reuters)
3 Even oil executives are worried by Trump’s attacks on offshore wind
Cracking down on renewables now is bad news for traditional energy down the line. (NYT $)
+ The scale of the Trump administration’s intervention is wild. (The Guardian)
+ How to make clean energy progress under Trump in the states. (MIT Technology Review)
4 How America is winning the war on city fires
Making homes fire-resistant isn’t glamorous—but it’s essential. (Vox)
+ How AI can help spot wildfires. (MIT Technology Review)
5 Top AI firms are going all-in on world models
They’re powered by videos and robotics data, not just language. (FT $)
+ Experts are convinced they’re vital to creating the next wave of AI. (WSJ $)
6 China is rushing to electrify freight trucks
Not content with dominating the electric car market, it’s eyeing bigger vehicles. (Rest of World)
+ Sales of battery-powered cars are projected to plummet in the US. (NYT $)