Explain to Shane

Enabling data to flow between enterprise divisions and industry partners enhances our economy, but it’s important that user privacy is protected when the information being shared is about individuals. Data usage will thus continue to be a major topic in tech policy, especially with regard to newer products that use artificial intelligence (AI) to collect and transfer user data. If the US were to pass federal data protection legislation or a federal privacy law, what AI-related measures would need to be included? How can we ensure AI is regulated in a precise manner that protects innovation?On this episode, Shane is joined by IBM’s Chief Privacy Officer and Ethics Board Co-Chair Christina Montgomery. They discuss how IBM is working to ensure its newest technologies — including AI — handle consumer data in an ethical manner, and why the company supports “precision regulation” of AI under the next administration.

Undeterred cyberattacks on American critical infrastructure have increased urgency for improved cyber practices. Heading into the next administration, what can the US do to better prevent cyberattacks and impose consequences on their perpetrators? How do we ensure effective information-sharing between government and industry to thwart future attacks and curtail their potential damage?On this episode, Shane is joined by Mieke Eoyang, senior vice president of the DC think tank Third Way’s National Security Program and chair of its Cyber Enforcement Initiative. Mieke recently co-authored a piece for Lawfare called, “A Road Map for Tackling Cybercrime,” which outlines key cyber priorities and policy recommendations for the next administration. She also just launched a podcast titled, “To Catch A Hacker,” a true-crime podcast that chronicles how famous cyberattacks were solved. With inauguration approaching, Mieke “explains” how the Biden administration can move the US cybersecurity agenda forward.

As US industries turn to next-generation technology for real-time data flows and automation, demand for 5G equipment has fueled a wave of new job opportunities. What best practices can government and industry undertake to help this trend to endure? What spectrum management and regulatory policies will maximize 5G’s potential to create jobs? On this episode, Shane speaks with Michael Mandel, Chief Economic Strategist at the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), and Sal D’Itri, Chairman of the National Spectrum Consortium and Vice President and General Manager, Public Sector for Federated Wireless. Together, Sal, Michael, and Shane discuss a PPI report Michael recently co-authored for the National Spectrum Consortium called, “The Third Wave: How 5G Will Drive Job Growth Over the Next Fifteen Years,” which gives government and industry a roadmap for building 5G networks and creating jobs in the process. 

Under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai’s leadership, the US is experiencing faster internet speeds, a healthy investment in the buildout of 5G networks, more efficient use of spectrum, and notable progress on programs to close the digital divide. Chairman Pai’s FCC has also implemented common-sense reforms such as lowering interstate prison phone rate caps and creating a new suicide hotline. Pai recently announced he would leave the FCC on January 20th, but his legacy will leave a lasting imprint on the agency. Specifically, he will be remembered for his innovation-friendly, light-touch approach to regulatory policy. On this episode of “Explain to Shane,” Shane and AEI’s Daniel Lyons hear from Chairman Pai himself on what lies ahead for the Biden FCC and how the agency has navigated complex issues like 5G, spectrum allocation, and Restoring Internet Freedom. 

In the digital age, how can technology make government more effective? The nonprofit Code for America is training young coders and connecting them with governments in order to digitize “safety net” programs like Medicaid, welfare, and food purchasing assistance. The organization seeks to make these programs more effective and efficient at the local, state, and federal levels by bringing them into a web and mobile friendly environment that helps both the end user and the government agency connect and track benefits.On this episode, Shane speaks with Code for America CEO Amanda Renteria, a former candidate for elected office and National Political Director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Together, they discuss how Code for America works with federal, state, and local governments to tackle complex political issues through cutting-edge IT solutions.

In an effort to give unserved communities internet access, some state and local governments have launched municipal broadband networks. But when City Hall controls the market for a key good like broadband, competition suffers, and consumers are worse off. Is it possible to pre-empt state municipal broadband laws at the federal level, and would sweeping preemptions survive judicial scrutiny?Larry Spiwak, President of the Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal and Economic Policy Studies, and George Ford, the Phoenix Center’s Chief Economist, recently helped author a report titled, “The Law and Economics of Municipal Broadband,” which outlined the legal and economic ramifications of municipal broadband programs. On this episode of “Explain to Shane,” Larry, George, and Shane discuss alternatives to municipal broadband programs that would help keep Americans connected.

What are the challenges of reallocating spectrum for commercial use, and how might the resulting “spectrum wars” hinder the rollout of new networks? Furthermore, how has the current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approached this issue? On this episode, Nathan Leamer, Vice President of Public Affairs at the strategy firm Targeted Victory and former Policy Advisor to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, joins Shane to discuss spectrum reallocation, 5G, and how the current FCC has succeeded in a number of its policy endeavors.

Support for a federal privacy law is gaining bipartisan momentum, but policymakers must consider the burdens that excessive regulation can place on consumers, trademark owners, and even law enforcement. Existing privacy laws in California, Europe, and beyond have had mixed effects. How can they help inform the creation of federal privacy legislation in the US?On this episode, Shane is joined by Brian King, Director of Internet Policy and Industry Affairs at Clarivate and a representative of the Intellectual Property Constituency at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Together, they discuss how privacy regulations have created legal access challenges to the information that users of data need for compliance with trademark and intellectual property rules, public safety laws, and privacy policies.  

While sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are turning to online gaming for safe, virtual entertainment. As a result, the video game market has had exceptional success in recent months. Will the gaming industry continue to surge after the pandemic, and how will attention economy industry leaders navigate the change in viewing habits that come with more eyes on gaming content?On this episode, Shane and her research assistant William Rau discuss the future of online gaming with Lindsay Poss, Director of Communications at the Technology Policy Institute. Lindsay recently published her first academic paper titled “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Gaming Galaxy,” which explores the economics, politics, and culture of the gaming industry. She joins Shane and William to discuss how COVID-19 has permanently influenced the gaming industry, and why e-sports are more popular than ever before. 

Although more young people are getting engaged in politics, civic education is absent from the curriculums of many American high schools and universities. Still, learning about the founding fathers is crucial to understanding why the American political system is unique. As social media platforms take politics online, how can we use technology to educate young people on the United States’ founding principles? To honor Constitution Day, Shane welcomes three guests from Constituting America — a foundation that seeks to educate America’s youth on the enduring importance of the US constitution. Founder Janine Turner, Co-Chair Cathy Gillespie, and Youth Director Tova Love Kaplan discuss Constituting America’s mission, educational programs, and upcoming Constitution Day celebration on this special edition of “Explain to Shane.”