Cheap, accessible models now produce weaponized deepfakes – ranging from sexually explicit images to political propaganda – that look astonishingly real. They are already inciting violence, changing mindsets, and sowing mistrust, disproportionately affecting women and marginalized groups.
Experts fear they are eroding trust and critical thinking. That’s why they are worried.
-Eileen Guo
Weaponized deepfakes are on our list 10 things that matter in AI right nowMIT Technology Review’s guide to what’s really worth your attention in the busy, hectic world of AI.
Must read
I’ve scoured the internet to find you today’s funniest/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 OpenAI has ended its exclusive partnership with Microsoft
The new deal allows OpenAI to challenge rivals like Amazon. (reuters $)
+ Microsoft will still license OpenAI’s technology, but no longer exclusively. (NYT $)
+ OpenAI is missing key growth targets ahead of its IPO. (WSJ $)
2 Google has signed a classified AI deal with the Pentagon
It allows the use of AI for “any lawful government purpose”. (Information $)
+ More than 600 Google employees had called for a halt to the deal. (QZ)
+ AI companies are willing to train military versions of their models on classified data. (MIT Technology Review)
3 EU asks Google to open up Android to AI rivals
This seeks to eliminate Gemini’s inherent advantage. (Ars Technica)
+ Google calls the move “undue interference.” (WSJ $)
+ A final decision is expected by the end of July. (reuters $)
4 OpenAI is reportedly developing an AI-first smartphone
It will replace apps with agents. (techcrunch)
+ Qualcomm and MediaTek can develop its processors. (gizmodo)
5 A brain implant for depression is moving toward human testing
The FDA has approved human studies of the device. (wired $)
+ BCI has struggled to reach the market so far. (MIT Technology Review)
6 Populist backlash against AI is gaining momentum in rural America
From Indiana to Idaho, voters are pushing back against the technology. (NYT$)
+ Anti-AI protests are increasing around the world. (MIT Technology Review)
7 DeepSeek prices its new model 97% lower than OpenAI’s GPT-5.5
It aims to attract more enterprises, developers, and agent-based users. (SCMP)
+ Here are three reasons why DeepSeek v4 matters. (MIT Technology Review)
8 AI now creates a third of new websites
One study found that it is making the web more entertaining and less functional. (404 media)
9 top talents leaving Big Tech to launch their own AI startups
Meta, Google and OpenAI are facing brain drain. (cnbc)
10 Taylor Swift is trademarking her voice and image
The Grammy winner has been the target of several deepfakes. (nbc news)
+ A growing number of celebrities are fighting AI with trademarks. (BBC)
today’s thought
