Hard Fork

This week Meta is on trial, in a landmark case over whether it illegally snuffed out competition when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp. We discuss some of the most surprising revelations from old email messages made public as evidence in the case, and explain why we think the F.T.C.’s argument has gotten weaker in the years since the lawsuit was filed. Then we hear from Princeton computer scientist Arvind Narayanan on why he believes it will take decades, not years, for A.I. to transform society in the ways the big A.I. labs predict. And finally, what do dolphins, Katy Perry and A1 steak sauce have in common? They’re all important characters in our latest round of HatGPT. Tickets to Hard Fork live are on sale now! See us June 24 at SFJAZZ. Guest:Arvind Narayanan, director of the Center for Information Technology at Princeton and co-author of “AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What it Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference.” Additional Reading:What if Mark Zuckerberg Had Not Bought Instagram and WhatsApp?AI as Normal TechnologyOne Giant Stunt for Womankind We want to hear from you. Email us at hardfork@nytimes.com. Find “Hard Fork” on YouTube and TikTok. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Daniel Kokotajlo, executive director of the AI Futures Project and former OpenAI employee, dives into the chaotic world of Big Tech grappling with President Trump's tariffs and their implications. He predicts AI's transformative potential by 2027 and stresses the importance of preparing for various outcomes, including dystopian ones. The conversation also touches on Meta's transparency issues regarding its new AI model, Llama 4, amid concerns over benchmark manipulation and the governance of emerging superintelligent systems.

Dive into the thrilling world of tech shifts! The hosts break down what 'hard fork' really means, symbolizing pivotal changes in the industry. Explore the transition from well-known tech giants to groundbreaking innovations like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. With expert insights, they aim to help listeners navigate this dynamic landscape, distinguishing between reality and hype. Tune in for an engaging journey through the wild frontier of technology!