This week, the A.I. company Anthropic has Silicon Valley rethinking the timeline for artificial general intelligence. In addition to releasing a new safety policy, the company’s chief executive, Dario Amodei, laid out a vision of how A.I. could help cure cancer, mental illness and mitigate climate change in the near future. We consider his most surprising claims and what this means for the acceleration of the technology. Then, the Uber chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, joins us in the studio to discuss his company’s new partnership with Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, and the future of that industry. And finally, leaked court documents reveal exactly how many TikTok videos you need to watch to get hooked on the app. So, Casey puts the number to the test. Guest:Dara Khosrowshahi, chief executive of UberAdditional Reading:Dario Amodei’s Essay “Machines of Loving Grace”TikTok Executives Know About App’s Effect on Teens, Lawsuit Documents AllegeWe 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.

Cullen Hoback, a documentary filmmaker known for exploring the QAnon conspiracy, joins to discuss his latest project on Bitcoin, "Money Electric." He shares insights on the quest for the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto and why he believes he’s discovered the real creator. The conversation also tackles the rise of AI-generated misinformation disrupting rescue efforts following recent disasters, and the comedic segment ‘Hot Mess Express’ takes a light-hearted jab at recent tech blunders. Don't miss this intriguing blend of tech and humor!

Julia Black, a journalist from The Information, dives deep into the burgeoning fertility technology scene in Silicon Valley, spurred by declining birth rates. She discusses the latest innovations, such as advanced genetic testing and artificial wombs, raising ethical questions about women's reproductive rights. The conversation also touches on California's new AI regulations and the impact of recent high-profile tech fundraising, including a deepfake incident involving a senator. It's a fascinating blend of tech, ethics, and societal trends!

This week, Steven Johnson, a writer and editorial director at Google Labs, shares insights on NotebookLM, an AI tool that transforms dull PDFs into engaging content. The discussion also dives into Meta's latest products from the Meta Connect event, including the MetaQuest 3S headset and updated Ray-Ban smart glasses, while raising questions about authenticity in social media. There's also a look at how tech advancements are reshaping writing and podcasting, revealing both challenges and exciting opportunities for creators.

Karen Weise, a seasoned reporter for the New York Times, dives into the latest developments in tech and workplace dynamics. The conversation starts with OpenAI's new model, O1, and its potential to reshape superintelligence. They discuss Instagram's new privacy measures for teens, sparked by growing concerns over child safety online. Karen also shares insights on Amazon's controversial mandate for employees to return to the office full-time, exploring its impact on corporate culture and future workplace trends.

In this engaging discussion, best-selling author Yuval Noah Harari shares his insights on technology and the existential risks of A.I. He reflects on how advancements like Apple's new gadgets can enhance user experience while posing ethical dilemmas. The hosts explore how some recent tech features can improve accessibility, like AirPods as hearing aids. They also dive into intriguing criminal cases, such as a $10 million streaming manipulation scheme and the illegal proliferation of 3D-printed guns, underscoring tech's dark side.

Jack Nicas, The New York Times’s Brazil bureau chief, dives into the recent ban of X in Brazil, revealing public reactions and concerns about free speech. He discusses Elon Musk’s contentious leadership and its implications on global content regulation. The conversation also shifts to a viral essay on 'founder mode,' unpacking the complex dynamics of tech leadership and accountability. Finally, listeners share their insights on school cell phone bans, highlighting how these regulations are reshaping classroom dynamics and student engagement.

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, discusses his recent arrest in France and its ramifications for online communication and content moderation. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York shares her controversial push to ban smartphones in public schools, highlighting the mental health challenges for teens post-pandemic. Kevin also reveals his quirky attempts to manipulate AI chatbots, sparking a conversation on the ethical implications of AI and online reputations. It's a deep dive into tech controversies and the impact on society.

Sheera Frenkel, a tech journalist from The Times, joins to discuss the surprising reluctance of political campaigns to embrace A.I., with quirky examples of failed A.I. endorsements and potential applications. Then, Victor Miller, a Cheyenne candidate, shares his ambitious attempt to campaign using a customized ChatGPT bot as mayor. The conversation dives into the implications of A.I. in governance and highlights the modern tools enhancing productivity, offering listeners insight into the intersection of technology and politics.

Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and founder of USAFacts, joins the discussion to share his mission of using government data to reduce political polarization. The conversation dives into Elon Musk's controversial support for Donald Trump and its implications for the 2024 election. They analyze the dynamics of social media's role in shaping political discourse and highlight Ballmer’s focus on facts in an era dominated by partisan narratives. The episode also touches on regulatory challenges in AI and the evolving landscape of tech’s influence on politics.