Plus: New York City has banned AI in elementary and middle schools.

This is today's edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what's going on in the world of technology.

Digital harms have become the defining fear of American parents. In response, they’re increasingly turning to content-monitoring apps that scan their children’s texts, photos, emails, and chats, issuing alerts whenever an algorithm flags something it deems dangerous.

These tools have had genuine successes, preventing suicide attempts, intercepting predators, and averting school shootings. But they can also cause harm themselves, from false alarms and unnecessary interventions to damaged trust and anxiety.

Child-safety researchers say better approaches exist. Here’s what they think those could look like.

Fertilizer prices have been on a roller coaster this year, driven in part by trade disruptions and high natural-gas prices. That’s because natural gas is both an energy source and a chemical input in the production of ammonia, a key fertilizer ingredient.

The war in Iran has pushed natural-gas prices higher and disrupted fertilizer trade through the Strait of Hormuz—and its closure could make access harder still for some of the world’s poorest countries.

Let’s take a closer look at the surging fertilizer prices, and how a few climate-friendly alternatives could bring farmers some relief.

This story is from The Spark, our weekly climate tech newsletter. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Wednesday.

I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.

1 New York City has banned AI in elementary and middle schoolsThe one-year moratorium will affect 600,000 students. (Politico)+  It applies to any software using student-facing generative AI. (AP)+ Here’s how kids feel about AI, in their own words. (MIT Technology Review 

2 Taiwan has uncovered a hidden Chinese network targeting its chip sectorIt’s linked 166 cases to illegal operations and talent poaching. (Rest of World)+ Taiwan's president says its chip prowess is built on democracy. (Reuters $)+ But its “silicon shield” could be weakening. (MIT Technology Review)

3 Uber has launched the UK’s first commercial robotaxi serviceIt’s using tech from UK startup Wayve and, initially, safety drivers. (Verge)+ But in the US, Uber has allied with driver unions to slow robotaxis. (FT $)+ And, back in the UK, Uber’s being sued over algorithmic pay. (Guardian)

4 Google has avoided a breakup of its ad tech businessA US judge rejected the government’s demand to force a sale. (Guardian)+ But it must change how it treats rivals and shares information. (NYT $)+ The decision is a big deal for antitrust investigations. (WSJ $)

5 Serbians have been targeted with mercenary spyware after electionsTargets included student activists, lawmakers and a local councilor. (Reuters $)

Source: Read the original article on www.technologyreview.com