AI in Business

When the AI tool Sybil flagged a previously unknown and complex vulnerability in a customer’s system last November, its creators at the startup RunSybil knew they were witnessing more than just a clever hack. They described it as a ‘step change’ in machine reasoning – a leap forward in an AI’s ability to understand intricate, interacting systems. This single event is a powerful illustration of a much broader trend. According to UC Berkeley computer scientist Dawn Song, we have reached a critical ‘inflection point.’ The rapid advancements in models are drastically increasing AI’s hacking prowess. This surge in general AI capabilities, as discussed in ‘Google Gemini Powers Apple’s Siri & New AI Features’ [8], is now creating a dual-use dilemma...

It has been a remarkably productive year here at MIT Technology Review, with our work spanning magazine themes from creativity to security and a full slate of exclusive events. As 2025 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on the dominant technological narratives that shaped the global conversation. The explosive growth of artificial intelligence was undeniable, weaving itself into daily life while sparking critical discussions about its ai resource needs. Biotechnology offered both groundbreaking and controversial developments, pushing the boundaries of medicine and ethics. Concurrently, the world grappled with pressing challenges requiring urgent innovation in climate tech – the broad field of climate change tech solutions aimed at addressing climate change by reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. This retrospective is a...

Not long ago, the physical heart of the digital world operated in quiet anonymity. These facilities, known as Data Centers, were the unseen workhorses of the internet. A data center is a dedicated facility housing computer servers, networking equipment, and storage systems; it is the physical backbone for storing, processing, and distributing vast amounts of digital data and powering online services, including cloud computing and AI applications. But 2025 marked the year this obscurity shattered. Data centers have transitioned from invisible backend infrastructure to a prominent public and political issue. The relentless, AI-driven demand for computational power has sparked an unprecedented construction boom, placing these server farms directly in the public eye. This unstoppable force has now collided with an...

In a decisive move against the escalating threat of digital misogyny, the UK has declared its intention to outlaw AI-powered ‘nudification’ applications. The government announced that the UK will ban deepfake AI ‘nudification’ apps [1] as a key component of its wider strategy to combat violence against women and girls. These malicious tools use generative AI to digitally alter images, creating realistic yet completely fabricated nude depictions of individuals without their consent. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has taken a firm stance, vowing that the government will not stand by while technology is ‘weaponised to abuse, humiliate and exploit’ vulnerable people. This landmark deepfake legislation aims to dismantle the ecosystem that enables such abuse, holding not just the creators of deepfakes...