# The Download: State Department Under Fire Over Journalist Surveillance Demands and the Rise of Gene-Edited Pork

## The Download: State Department Under Fire Over Journalist Surveillance Demands and the Rise of Gene-Edited Pork

Today’s edition of MIT Technology Review’s “The Download,” authored by Rhiannon Williams, highlights two compelling and contrasting stories shaping the technology landscape. On one hand, concerns are mounting over alleged surveillance practices within the US State Department. On the other, the prospect of gene-edited pork is edging closer to reality.

The most alarming development centers around a previously undisclosed document, attributed to senior State Department official Darren Beattie. This document reportedly details a sweeping effort to obtain records of communications involving journalists, European officials, and even critics of former President Trump. The revelations raise serious questions about the potential for government overreach and the protection of journalistic freedom. Such requests, if confirmed, would represent a significant departure from established norms and could have a chilling effect on independent reporting and international relations. The full scope and motivation behind this alleged surveillance effort remain unclear, but the implications are significant and warrant further investigation.

While the State Department controversy underscores anxieties surrounding data privacy and government power, the other story points towards innovative advancements in food technology. The brief mention of “gene-edited pork” suggests ongoing progress in the field of genetic engineering within the agricultural sector. While details are scarce in this excerpt, the implication is that genetically modified pigs, potentially offering improved nutritional value, disease resistance, or efficiency in production, are becoming increasingly viable. This development, while potentially beneficial, is likely to spark further debate about the ethical considerations and potential risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply.

Ultimately, today’s “Download” presents a stark contrast: one story highlighting the potential misuse of information and surveillance, and the other showcasing the innovative, yet potentially controversial, power of genetic engineering. Both threads are crucial in understanding the complex and evolving relationship between technology, government, and society.