The Download: Failed social media bans and extending pet lives

This edition of The Download explores the growing trend of government-led social media bans for minors. Despite legislative efforts in France, the UK, and the EU to restrict access, early data from Australia suggests these age-based prohibitions are easily circumvented by tech-savvy youth. The newsletter also highlights advancements in biotechnology aimed at extending the lives of pets through drugs, cloning, and cryonics. Additionally, the report features Form Energy’s innovative iron-based battery technology, designed to store renewable energy for up to 100 hours. The roundup concludes with critical industry updates, including the rising insurance liabilities for AI companies, the emergence of 'zero-click' spyware, and concerns regarding the sustainability of the current AI market boom. These stories reflect a broader landscape of shifting regulatory, biological, and energy-related challenges facing the global technology sector.