Brian Barrett

Brian Barrett, WIRED's executive editor with a keen eye on tech and politics, joins to dissect the year's major trends. They delve into the explosive growth of AI data centers and its economic implications. The discussion highlights the rise of AI companions and the risks of social isolation, along with the geopolitical pressures surrounding open-source AI, especially from China. They also examine the chaotic impacts of the Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk and the controversial handling of Epstein-related documents, raising questions about data privacy and accountability.

Brian Barrett, WIRED's Executive Editor, dives into intriguing tech stories. He discusses how AI romantic relationships are starting to factor into divorce cases. Google’s lawsuit against a massive text-scamming network reveals the alarming scale of phishing operations. The DHS's questionable data gathering in Chicago raises severe privacy concerns. They also touch on the implications of Apple removing gay dating apps in China and explore ideal locations for environmentally friendly data centers. It's a whirlwind of tech, policy, and ethics!