In this engaging conversation, journalist Chris Stokel-Walker, known for his sharp insights into technology's societal impacts, dives into the fragile underpinnings of the internet. He discusses the catastrophic potential of cybersecurity failures and the vulnerabilities of open source software crucial for digital infrastructure. Stokel-Walker highlights the precarious balance between profit-driven tech models and the need for robust, funded open-source contributions. He sheds light on the accountability of cloud providers and the urgent necessity for technological literacy in navigating modern online complexities.

Chris Stokel-Walker, a technology journalist and author, dives into the UK government's ambitious AI action plan, weighing its potential against risks like job displacement and environmental impacts. Nafeez Ahmed, an investigative journalist and author, explores the alarming rise of far-right ideologies and their implications for democracy and social cohesion. The conversation also tackles misinformation and the influence of figures like Elon Musk, all while introducing a fun segment to debunk out-of-touch political comments. It’s a critical look at technology and extremism!

Tech journalist Chris Stokel-Walker discusses AI, from its history to future implications. Topics include the rise of transformer models, AI disinformation, copyright dilemmas in AI training, and navigating tech regulation. Insightful and engaging conversation on the impact of AI on society.

Join Kate Parker, a principal economist with The Economist Intelligence Unit, and Chris Stokel-Walker, a technology writer, as they dive into the dengue fever crisis gripping Latin America. They discuss alarming record-high cases and innovative strategies to combat the virus, such as using Wolbachia bacteria. The conversation also touches on the crucial role of volunteers in maintaining internet infrastructure and the benefits of lateral career moves over traditional upward mobility. Get ready for insights that span health, technology, and career dynamics!

Microsoft soft-launched its new AI-powered search engine in early February. After years of playing second fiddle to Google, the new Bing seemed to finally have something exciting to offer. More than a million people signed up on a wait list to try out the new feature. But it wasn’t long before some early testers reported that their interactions with the chatbot had taken an unsettling turn. For some, the bizarre interactions were disconcertingly similar to depictions of AI gone sentient straight out of science fiction. Today, Chris Stokel-Walker, a technology journalist and contributor to the Guardian’s TechScape newsletter, explains this latest chatbot, what the technology is doing and whether it’s as terrifying as it sounds.