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.

Introducing: The Crime Issue

Technology has long made crime and its prosecution a complex game of cat and mouse. However, the very advancements that have enabled criminals to operate with greater sophistication have also armed law enforcement and governments with powerful new tools. These innovations offer unprecedented capabilities for rooting out criminal activity, gathering crucial evidence, and conducting surveillance, creating a dynamic landscape where technological prowess is contested on both sides of the law.

This intricate tension forms the core of our new March/April issue. In an era where technologies like cryptocurrency and readily available autonomous autopilots have seemingly lowered the barrier to entry for illicit activities, the pervasive nature of digital infrastructure and advanced surveillance systems simultaneously presents law enforcement with powerful countermeasures. This duality, where enhanced crime-fighting capabilities can sometimes encroach upon what were once considered fundamental civil liberties, is explored in depth within the pages of this issue.

Here’s a sneak peek at the compelling stories you can expect:

• Tracking Down Online Threats: Delve into the fascinating narrative of a cybersecurity researcher who decided to confront the anonymous online figures issuing death threats against her. This story offers a firsthand account of the risks and complexities involved in pursuing digital adversaries.

• AI and Cybercrime Realities: While reports of AI-powered "superhacks" abound, this article critically examines the actual impact of artificial intelligence on online crime. It clarifies the current capabilities and limitations of AI in the realm of cyber threats, separating hype from reality.

• The Dark Side of Crypto: Explore the less-discussed consequences of cryptocurrency’s "permissionless dream." This piece uncovers the illicit activities and challenges that have emerged within the decentralized financial ecosystem, revealing the inherent risks alongside the purported benefits.

• Chicago’s Surveillance Panopticon: Journey into Chicago’s extensive monitoring system, a network of tens of thousands of surveillance cameras designed to track its residents. The article weighs law enforcement’s claims of enhanced public safety against privacy advocates’ concerns, which liken the system to a modern-day surveillance panopticon, raising critical questions about civil liberties in urban environments.

• Tech vs. Wildlife Trafficking: Discover how innovative conservationists are leveraging technology to combat wildlife trafficking. This compelling report highlights ingenious methods, including the surprising application of making rhinos "radioactive" through tracking devices, to protect endangered species from illegal trade.

Why 2026 is the Year for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-based batteries are poised to emerge as a significant and potentially more accessible alternative to their lithium-ion counterparts. Offering a compelling combination of lower cost and enhanced safety, this battery technology is finally making its way into practical applications, from electric vehicles to large-scale energy storage arrays for the power grid.

Recognizing their growing importance, sodium-ion batteries have been identified as one of MIT Technology Review‘s 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2026. To further explore this development, we are hosting a subscriber-only Roundtable discussion. Our science editor Mary Beth Griggs, senior climate reporter Casey Crownhart, and China reporter Caiwei Chen will offer an in-depth analysis of the current landscape for sodium-ion batteries and their future trajectory. The live discussion will commence at 1 p.m. ET today. Interested readers can register now to participate.

The Must-Reads

I’ve scoured the internet to bring you today’s most engaging, important, and thought-provoking stories about technology:

1. The Pentagon’s Ultimatum to Anthropic: The U.S. military has reportedly issued an ultimatum to AI company Anthropic, demanding full access to its Claude AI model or facing potential termination of their relationship. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has allegedly threatened to sever ties if Anthropic does not comply with the military’s access demands, while Anthropic has reportedly resisted easing restrictions on military use of its technology.

2. Meta’s Chip Deal with AMD: In a significant move for its artificial intelligence infrastructure, Meta has reportedly signed a substantial chip deal with AMD. This agreement comes just days after Meta announced a major expansion of its commitment to utilizing NVIDIA chips to power its ambitious AI development.

3. Jeffrey Epstein’s Influence at Microsoft: An investigative report reveals the extent of Jeffrey Epstein’s infiltration into Microsoft’s senior ranks. He was allegedly privy to confidential internal discussions regarding company politics and even offered advice on the company’s CEO succession plans, highlighting a disturbing level of access and influence. Concurrently, a highly popular podcast detailing the Epstein files is reportedly entirely generated by AI, raising questions about authorship and authenticity.

4. The Rise of Chatbot-Assisted Cheating: The integration of AI chatbots into student life is becoming increasingly prevalent, with teenagers regularly seeking and potentially becoming dependent on AI assistance for their academic work. This trend raises concerns about academic integrity and the future of learning. In response, MIT Technology Review offers guidance on how parents can discuss AI with their children.

5. Ukraine’s Drone Industry Emergence: Faced with the realities of conflict, Ukraine has rapidly built a sophisticated drone industry from the ground up. The nation now aims to export its expertise and technology to Western allies once the war concludes, demonstrating remarkable innovation under duress. This initiative is also viewed within the broader context of Europe’s evolving vision for autonomous warfare and the future of drone technology in defense.

6. FDA Removes Warning on Ineffective Autism Treatments: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has removed a warning page that cautioned against ineffective autism treatments. The page had previously advised Americans against pursuing alternative remedies, including the dangerous use of chlorine dioxide.

7. Solar Power’s Growth in the US: The adoption of solar power in the United States continues to surge, with energy usage from solar sources increasing by an impressive 35% last year compared to the preceding year. This growth indicates a strong and accelerating trend towards renewable energy adoption.

8. The Multifaceted Nature of Infinity: This article delves into the philosophical and mathematical concept of infinity, exploring the idea that perhaps "one size does not fit all" when it comes to understanding its magnitude and properties.

9. Nearby Glasses App Detects Smartglasses: A new application called Nearby Glasses utilizes Bluetooth signals to detect the presence of smartglasses worn by individuals nearby. This innovation highlights the increasing prevalence of wearable technology and the potential for new forms of social awareness and privacy concerns.

10. Uber Employees Use an AI CEO Clone: In an unusual application of AI, Uber employees are reportedly using an artificial intelligence clone of their CEO to practice meetings and presentations. This practice raises questions about corporate culture and the evolving ways in which AI is being integrated into professional environments. The development also follows advancements in AI cloning technology, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable of more expressive interactions.

Quote of the Day

"This has nothing to do with mass surveillance and autonomous weapons being used." – A senior defense official speaking to The Washington Post regarding the Pentagon’s demand for access to Anthropic’s AI, asserting that the department has not proposed any unlawful uses of AI tools.

One More Thing

Scientists are actively working to extend the lifespan of pet dogs, a mission that could ultimately pave the way for prolonging human longevity. Matt Kaeberlein, co-director of the ambitious Dog Aging Project, is at the forefront of this research, which aims to improve, delay, and potentially reverse the aging process in companion animals. This groundbreaking work, which tracks the aging of tens of thousands of dogs across the United States, holds the potential for significant advancements in human health and longevity in the future.