The Download: a censorship conspiracy theory and the first virus created by AI
technologyreview.com
A fringe far-right censorship conspiracy theory quietly spread until it began shaping real actions by a second major power — and it's still spreading.
Information CascadeOverton WindowDual-Use TechnologySocial Contagion Theory
Theory Briefing
- A niche far-right censorship conspiracy theory expanded far beyond its origins to influence a wide range of real-world actions.
- The theory's reach grew to affect a second major power, showing how fringe ideas can migrate into mainstream policy behavior.
- Separately, an AI system has been reported to have created the first virus attributed to artificial intelligence, raising new questions about AI-enabled threats.