Tech Life

QTCinderella, a popular Twitch streamer and organizer of the Streamer Awards, opens up about the darker realities of her online fame. She shares her journey from a 9-to-5 job to being a full-time content creator during COVID. The discussion delves into the mental health struggles she faces and the blurred lines between her online persona and real life. QTCinderella reveals shocking instances of harassment and safety concerns stemming from her public exposure, reflecting on the cost of success and her regrets along the way.

Manon Dave, a creative technologist and musician who collaborates with stars like Will.i.am, dives into how AI is reshaping the songwriting process, discussing tools like Suno and Udio. He shares mixed reactions from artists toward AI, highlighting the importance of human creativity in melody and lyrics. Rachel Franz, from Fairplay, raises alarms about the risks of AI in children's toys, emphasizing issues like data privacy and harmful behaviors. Together, they shed light on the evolving landscape of AI in music and beyond.

Mackenzie Price, Co-founder of Alpha School, champions an innovative AI-powered learning model that replaces traditional teaching. She discusses how adaptive apps personalize education, allowing students to thrive in a tech-driven environment. The conversation also delves into the changing role of teachers and the risks of unequal access to education. In a gripping shift, the podcast uncovers the dark world of online scams, featuring a victim's harrowing story and expert insights on how scammers exploit technology.

Anjali Brown, a wellness coach from Barcelona, shares her journey in coaching clients worldwide via Zoom, emphasizing the importance of remote work. Irene Mwendwa, a lawyer from Nairobi, opens up about the emotional toll of online bullying and her advocacy for safer digital spaces. Meanwhile, aspiring digital nomad Nick Cohn discusses his quest for a Spanish visa and the challenges he faces. Together, they explore the freedoms and struggles of living as digital nomads in today’s tech-driven world.

Zoe Kleinman, BBC technology editor, interviews AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, who shares insights on her groundbreaking work in image recognition and the importance of gender representation in tech. Ethan Barajas discusses his innovative robot designed to assist astronauts on the ISS, detailing its capabilities and deployment timeline. Stefan Timpano introduces the exhilarating world of autonomous racing in Abu Dhabi, where AI-driven cars strategize and compete without human drivers, pushing the limits of technology and safety.

Joe Tidy, BBC cyber correspondent, reveals chilling insights into the Russian hacking group Evil Corp, including their stolen funds and international investigations. Eli Savatia, a young Kenyan engineer, shares his journey creating Terp360, an AI-driven app translating speech into sign language in real-time, tackling interpreter shortages for the deaf community. Lauren Antonoff, CEO of Life360, discusses the complexities of family location tracking, balancing safety with privacy concerns, and the importance of user control in a tech-driven world.

Zoe West, a Senior researcher at Cornell, talks about AI's troubling effects on the fashion industry, revealing how AI models threaten real diversity and job opportunities. Alex Kekesi, from Pornhub, discusses challenges surrounding age verification for adult content, criticizing current methods for privacy issues. Selina Deckelman, from the Wikimedia Foundation, explains the significant impact of bot traffic on Wikipedia, leading to a decline in human visitation and stressing the need for better automated access solutions. It's a fascinating dive into the intersection of technology and ethics.

Stuart Russell, a professor of computer science at UC Berkeley and AI researcher, joins to discuss the urgent need for international red lines on artificial intelligence to safeguard humanity. He warns of potential catastrophic risks, from extinction scenarios to reckless AI behaviors like self-replication. Russell calls for coordinated global enforcement of these boundaries to enhance safety engineering. Additionally, the podcast explores innovative health initiatives using holograms in Ghana and the evolving role of AI in the legal profession.

Rick Smith, Founder and CEO of Axon Enterprise, dives into the future of policing technology with a focus on Tasers and drones. He reveals plans for drones equipped with Tasers to enhance first response capabilities. Smith discusses innovations in Taser range, safety measures, and ethical considerations surrounding their use. He also touches on Axon's global collaboration with police forces and the complexities of incorporating new tech. Plus, find out about underwater gliders and the imminent quantum computing revolution!

A class action lawsuit is underway in Italy against Meta and TikTok. Lawyers say they want to protect younger children from social media harm. We look at the issues.Also in Tech Life this week, we have another story about social media. It's about farmers in Africa, so-called agri-influencers, and how they're cultivating an online movement. Shiona McCallum tests a new maritime AI communication system. And a Japanese tech company is trying to eradicate malaria using drones.Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn(Image: A child uses a smartphone. Credit: Getty Images)