The Download: supercharged scams and studying AI healthcare
The Download: Supercharged Scams and Studying AI Healthcare
The world of technology is constantly evolving, and this week's edition of The Download is no exception. We're taking a closer look at the growing threat of AI-driven scams and the increasing use of AI in healthcare. But first, let's dive into the latest news and trends that are shaping the tech landscape.
AI-Driven Scams: The New Era of Cybercrime
When ChatGPT was released in late 2022, it showed how easily generative AI could create human-like text. This quickly caught the eye of cybercriminals, who began using LLMs to compose malicious emails. Since then, they've adopted AI for everything from turbocharged phishing and hyperrealistic deepfakes to automated vulnerability scans.
Many organizations are now struggling to cope with the sheer volume of cyberattacks. AI is making them faster, cheaper, and easier to carry out, a problem set to worsen as more cybercriminals adopt these tools—and their capabilities improve. Read the full story on how AI is reshaping cybercrime.
Healthcare AI: Does it Actually Help Patients?
Doctors are using AI to help them with notetaking. AI-based tools are trawling through patient records, flagging people who may require certain support or treatments. They are also used to interpret medical exam results and X-rays.
A growing number of studies suggest that many of these tools can deliver accurate results. But there's a bigger question here: Does using them actually translate into better health outcomes for patients? We don't yet have a good answer—here's why.
The Must-Reads
Here are the top stories you need to know:
- DeepSeek Unveils New AI Model: The Chinese company has just launched preview versions of DeepSeek-V4, which it says is the most powerful open-source platform. The model is adapted for Huawei chip technology.
- More Countries Curbing Children's Social Media Access: Norway is set to enforce the latest ban, and the Philippines could follow soon. Americans are pushing to get AI out of schools.
- US Accuses China of Mass AI Theft: A White House memo claims Chinese firms are exploiting American models. Beijing calls the accusations "slander."
- OpenAI Set Itself Apart from Anthropic: The company is releasing GPT-5.5 to all ChatGPT users, despite cybersecurity concerns. OpenAI says the new model is better at coding and more efficient.
- Meta Cutting 10% of Jobs to Offset AI Spending: Roughly 8,000 layoffs are set to be announced on May 20. Anti-AI protests are growing.
- Palantir Facing Backlash from Employees: Thanks to its work with ICE and the Trump administration. Surveillance tech is reshaping the fight for privacy.
- The Era of Free Access to Advanced AI is Coming to an End: AI labs are under mounting pressure to start turning profits.
- Elon Musk's Feud with Sam Altman Heading to Court: The case has already revealed several unflattering secrets.
- New Movement Encouraging People to Ditch Their Smartphones for a Month: "Month Offline" is like a Dry January for smartphones.
- Spotify Reveals Most-Streamed Music of the Last 20 Years: Featuring Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and The Weeknd.
Quote of the Day
"We want a childhood where children get to be children. Play, friendships, and everyday life must not be taken over by algorithms and screens."
—Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announces age restrictions for social media.
One More Thing
The search for extraterrestrial life is targeting Jupiter's icy moon Europa. As astronomers have discovered more about Europa over the past few decades, Jupiter's fourth-largest moon has excited planetary scientists interested in the geophysics of alien worlds.
All that water and energy—and hints of elements essential for building organic molecules —point to an extraordinary possibility. In the depths of its ocean, or perhaps crowded in subsurface lakes or below icy surface vents, Jupiter's big, bright moon could host life.
To find further evidence, NASA is now searching for signs of alien existence on Europa. Read the full story on the mission.
We Can Still Have Nice Things
A place for comfort, fun, and distraction to brighten up your day. Got any ideas? Drop me a line.
Here's a fun look at the secret collaborations of pop history. Meet the mannequins showing how the "ideal" body has evolved. A photographer has cataloged all 12,795 objects in her home into an archive of a life. Slime molds are unexpectedly beautiful when viewed through these high-detail macro shots.
Deep Dive
The Download: 10 things that matter in AI, plus Anthropic's plan to sue the Pentagon. Plus: The US DoD has been secretly testing OpenAI models for years.
The Download: Quantum computing for health, and why the world doesn't recycle more nuclear waste. This is today's edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what's going on in the world of technology.
A $5 million prize awaits proof that quantum computers can solve health care problems. In a laboratory on the outskirts of Oxford, a quantum computer built from atoms and light awaits...
The Download: protesting AI, and what's floating in space. Plus: The US government wanted to use Anthropic's AI to analyze bulk data collected from Americans.
The Download: how AI is used for military targeting, and the Pentagon's war on Claude. Plus: an ex-DOGE staffer has been accused of stealing social security data.
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