The Download: Caiwei’s Three Things and Reasons to be Optimistic about AI’s energy usage

The Downloadis our weekly newsletterthat gives you a daily dose on what’s happening in the worlds of technology.

There are four reasons to be optimistic regarding AI’s energy consumption

We launched Power Hungry two weeks ago. This new series sheds light on the energy costs and carbon demands of the artificial-intelligence revolution.

The series raised some alarming issues, including the enormous energy demands of AI video production. There are reasons to be optimistic, too: innovations that can improve the efficiency of software behind AI models, computer chips on which these models run, and data centers where these chips hum round the clock.

Here is what you need to understand about how energy consumption, and therefore carbon emission, could be reduced across all three domains. Plus, there’s an additional argument for cautious optimism – the underlying business reality may ultimately lead to more energy-efficient AI. The full story can be read here.

–Will Douglas Heaven.

Three Things Caiwei is into right now.

We ask each member of our staff to tell us three things that they are currently enjoying. In our latest issue, which focused on creativity, we asked China reporter Caiwei to share a glimpse into her life. Subscribe to future editions and check out her recommendations.

The must-reads

I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.

The efforts of 1 DOGE are slowing federal agencies down
Despite the fact that the taskforce was formed under the pretense of doing the opposite. (WP $)
+ Trump wants to further cut the federal workforce. Right wing politicians are trying to copy DOGE in the UK. The Guardian
and are concerned about the safety and stability our critical data. MIT Technology Review

Yoshua Bengio, 2 AI pioneer, wants to build a ‘honest AI.
Yoshua’s new non-profit is developing a system that will catch deceptive agents. (The Guardian)
+ Cyberattacks from AI agents are on the way. MIT Technology Review

The FDA is launching a agency-wide AI tool.
This tool will help scientific reviewers to streamline their work. (Axios,)
+ It’s easier to say than do. A Neuralink competitor has successfully implanted a brain-implant into a patient.

This is a first step to longer trials for startup Paradromics. (Wired$)
+ Neuralink’s future in 2025. MIT Technology Review

– The FTC is investigating US advocacy and advertising groups
to determine if they violated antitrust laws by coordinating boycotts. (NYT$)

How Alibaba AI models surpassed Meta’s
Alibaba is now the open-source leader in the world after initial struggles. The Information $]

7 AI is changing the way home maintenance services are run
From roofers and electricians to plumbers and heating specialists. (WSJ $)

8 Why it is so difficult to find critical minerals
These minerals are vital for clean energy and the demand for them is surging. (Vox )
+ Race to produce rare earths. MIT Technology Review

Tinder is testing a height filter.
This doesn’t seem fair to the world’s shorter kings. (Mashable )

Animal cloning has become a big business
People will go to any lengths to save their pets. (The Atlantic$)
+ Colossal’s new wolves may be cute, but they are dangerous? MIT Technology Review

Today’s Quote

Yoshua Bengio warns against putting AI advancement before safety. The Financial Timesreported this.

Another thing

MIT Technology Review acquired 15 screenshots in 2022 of these private photos that had been posted on closed social media groups. These images show the increasing trend of sharing potentially sensitive information to train algorithms. The images reveal a data supply chain, and new points at which personal information can leak out. Few consumers are aware of this. Read the complete story.–Eileen Guo.

You can still enjoy nice things.

A place to relax, have fun and distract you. (Do you have any ideas? Drop a line to me or skeet them at me

+ Latvia’s passports are pretty cool ?
– Seals are not only incredibly intelligent, but they can also flip a coin. Video games
+ A slice of New Jersey Crumb Cakeand a cup tea, please.
+ Happy World Bicycle Day for all those who celebrate it!