The Times Tech Podcast Can Europe rely on Silicon Valley in the age of Trump tariffs?
Jan 23, 2026
Hany Farid, a professor at UC Berkeley and co-founder of GetReal Security, dives into the complexities of tech sovereignty and the geopolitical risks of depending on US tech giants. He discusses the alarming potential of an 'AI kill switch' and the uneven playing field it creates. Farid emphasizes the need for Europe to invest in local AI development and regulation to build autonomy and mitigate risks. He critiques the concentration of power within Silicon Valley and highlights the importance of creating privacy-preserving technologies to safeguard the future.
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Concentration Gives Geopolitical Power
- A tiny group of US tech firms controls much of the world's AI and cloud stack, creating geopolitical leverage.
- The price and availability of AI tokens will shape national power in the coming decade.
Kill‑Switch Risks Aren't Zero
- The idea of a US 'kill switch' for tech services is debated but not dismissed as impossible.
- Big tech's willingness to comply with political demands makes the scenario worrying despite its seeming implausibility.
Regulate And Invest Locally
- Regulate and invest: use regulation to protect norms while funding homegrown research and startups.
- Harness returning talent by putting money into academia and building local AI infrastructure.