Allie Funk, Research Director for Technology and Democracy at Freedom House, and Kian Vesteinsson, Senior Research Analyst at the same organization, dive into the repressive power of AI. They discuss how AI serves as both a tool for censorship and a means of spreading disinformation, particularly in authoritarian regimes. The guests highlight the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to address AI's harmful effects, including its potential to manipulate elections and create deepfakes. They also draw parallels between historical innovations and contemporary challenges posed by AI.

Allie Funk leads Freedom House's technology and democracy initiative, championing internet freedom and human rights. She discusses alarming trends in internet censorship and misinformation during global elections, each worsening for 14 years. Funk highlights authoritarian tactics in countries like Pakistan and contrasts them with successful strategies from Taiwan and South Africa. The conversation dives into the need for transparency from governments and tech companies, especially with the looming U.S. Election Day, emphasizing the fight against political disinformation.

Allie Funk and Kian Vesteinsson from Freedom House share their insights on the troubling decline of internet freedom for 14 consecutive years, emphasizing the adverse effects on democracy. They discuss the stark contrast between oppressive regimes and more democratic nations regarding internet controls during elections. The guests highlight the role of generative AI in political campaigns, its potential harms, and regulatory challenges. They also address global variations in internet freedom, including harsh crackdowns in Kyrgyzstan versus protections in Chile.