Four US nuclear reactors hit a key milestone by July 4, 2026, achieving criticality. This means they can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. It’s a milestone that signals growth for emissions-free power. The original goal was three reactors for the US’s 250th birthday. Instead, four made it just in time.
On the chip front, China plans to open its AI giants to Nvidia’s H200 chips. Alibaba, ByteDance, and DeepSeek will soon get access to these powerful processors. This marks a shift after strict AI regulations forced Chinese firms to shut down some humanlike AI features. Anthropic, meanwhile, is locking down access to its Claude AI to block Chinese users, targeting VPNs and overseas accounts.
NATO is responding to Russia’s growing threat with a new network. It combines sensors, drones, satellites, and AI to detect and stop attacks. This system aims for real-time defense and intelligence. Meanwhile, cubesats equipped with nuclear bomb detectors are also in development. Russia reportedly pursues space-based nukes, raising the stakes in orbital security.
Meta is patenting AI tech that records user emotions to customize workouts. This invasive approach fits a broader trend where tech companies monetize personal data more aggressively. Meta’s new “Conversation Focus” feature on smart glasses will cost $19.99 a month. Meanwhile, Tesla faces a manslaughter charge after a fatal crash involving its driver-assistance system.
On the geopolitical stage, the US Energy Department wants data centers to have backup power during heat waves. The goal is to free electricity for air conditioning and avoid blackouts. South Korea’s SK Hynix and Samsung rewarded their workers with bonuses linked to profits. SK Hynix handed out an extra $476,000 per employee this year.
Tech regulation keeps tightening. The UK banned tobacco sales for a new generation, aiming to eliminate smoking. The UN warned AI development is outpacing global rules and risks worsening inequality. Anthropic calls for a global AI slowdown. India tests a small, offline, multilingual AI alternative. Big Tech is now more optimistic about AI jobs after fearing mass losses.
Hollywood studios face accusations from Midjourney over covert AI use in movies. Meanwhile, researchers propose geoengineering by dimming the sun to fight future El Niños. Scientists detected an unknown light-absorbing chemical on Pluto and Titan. A Martian rock holds large carbon deposits, but its biological significance is unclear.
In digital privacy, Citizen Lab found Pegasus spyware on Stelios Kouloglou’s phone. The EU appears to ignore spyware abuses. Microsoft’s tax practices came under scrutiny when EU transparency rules revealed profit-shifting to tax havens. Elon Musk settled a $1.5 million SEC case over Twitter stock trading. Trump bought millions in Amazon and other stocks as he unveiled his AI Action Plan.
Finally, a Waymo robotaxi called police on teenagers drinking in California. Officers arrived with guns drawn. Local police joked, “Parents do you know where your teens are? Waymo does!” This moment captures how deeply surveillance and AI are reshaping public space and personal privacy.
Based on
- The Download: a nuclear landmark, and China eyes Nvidia chips — technologyreview.com
- The Download: a smoking “endgame” and a new Elizabeth Bear story | MIT Technology Review — technologyreview.com
- The Download: worms fight pollution, and geoengineering faces reality | MIT Technology Review — technologyreview.com
- The Download: South Korea’s hottest bachelors, and advancing eye transplants | MIT Technology Review — technologyreview.com
