Tech Life

Graeme Fraser, a dedicated reporter covering the experiences of individuals banned from Meta's platforms, shares riveting insights. He reveals the emotional and financial toll faced by users who have lost connections and businesses due to these arbitrary bans. The podcast explores the opaque reinstatement process and highlights the urgent need for transparency. Additionally, Fraser discusses the rise and fall of tech giants like Intel, while tackling the ethical implications of AI resource demands reminiscent of colonial exploitation. A must-listen for anyone navigating today's digital landscape!

Charlie Caper, a magician who fuses technology with magic, discusses integrating robotic assistants into his act while contemplating the future of creativity in the tech age. Pyotr Mirowski, an AI researcher and improv enthusiast, dives into the unpredictability of AI in performance art, exploring its potential to enhance human creativity. They highlight unique art installations and the evolving relationship between generative AI and artistic expression, raising questions about the emotional depth of art versus the efficiency of technology.

David Koh, Chief Executive of the Cybersecurity Agency of Singapore, discusses the escalating cyber threats facing Singapore, including a worrying attack on critical infrastructure. He emphasizes the importance of public awareness and international collaboration to combat these sophisticated incursions. The conversation also touches on the challenge of pinpointing cyber-attack origins amid geopolitical tensions. Additionally, there’s a lighthearted exploration of a community's role in recovering lost heirlooms through social media, showcasing technology's impact on personal connections.

Lily Jamali, North America's technology correspondent, dives into the meteoric rise of DeepSeek, China's groundbreaking AI chatbot, and its implications for the tech landscape. The discussion touches on potential AI doomsday scenarios and the urgent need for safeguards in AI development. Jamali also explores innovations in automotive technology, focusing on how software is revolutionizing vehicles, including the shift to electric and sustainable solutions. The podcast offers a gripping look at the intersection of AI advancements, privacy concerns, and the future of driving.

Explore the groundbreaking world of Agentic AI, where smart assistants simplify everyday tasks like travel planning and healthcare. Discover how Kenya is tackling plastic waste by transforming it into 3D-printed educational tools. Delve into innovative efforts to save endangered species through cryopreservation, revealing the future of wildlife conservation. The podcast highlights both the incredible opportunities and the socioeconomic challenges posed by AI advancements, emphasizing the importance of equitable access for all.

In this engaging conversation, skydiver and amateur astronomer Patrick Wiggins shares his tech adventures and a humorous mishap with an iPhone during a jump. He discusses the innovative method of using underground sewage to offset carbon emissions, backed by Microsoft, and highlights how it transforms waste management into an environmental solution. The episode also touches on the fascinating evolution of parachute safety. Patrick's experiences remind us of the blend of technology and personal stories in our lives.

Yashna Lekai, a hardware engineer at the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre, dives deep into the transformative world of quantum computing. She discusses its revolutionary potential across diverse fields, from particle physics to logistics. The episode explores how quantum technology tackles data challenges and enhances AI's capabilities. Yashna also sheds light on advancements in AI voice technology, focusing on inclusivity in accents. Listeners are treated to fascinating insights on future data transmission technologies and the impact of all-photonic networks.

This week on Tech Life, we speak to the company behind an AI safe driving device that's fitted to thousands of delivery vans and fleet vehicles around the world. Using cameras and an onboard AI system, it assesses how safely a vehicle is being driven. And it warns both the driver, and their manager, if it spots a serious safety risk inside or outside the vehicle.Also this week, we find out about cargo drones parachuting humanitarian aid into parts of central Africa. And what can children tell us about AI ?We enjoy reading your messages about Tech Life. Please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.You can use the same contact details to send us any questions you've ever wanted to have answered about quantum computers. We're hoping to gather up your questions and ask an expert about quantum computing for a future episode.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica SorianoImage: A photo taken inside a car of the road ahead and other road traffic outside. Credit: egon69/Getty Images

Curtis Lingvist, President and CEO of ICANN, and Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia, discuss the future of the internet amid rising concerns about government control and fragmented access. They explore the delicate balance between decentralized collaboration and the risks of oversight. Lingvist emphasizes the importance of public feedback as key decisions loom, while Wales shares insights on Wikipedia's growth and the challenges of machine translation for smaller languages. The episode also showcases a young inventor tackling air pollution with an innovative dust detector.

In this engaging conversation, Jason Kennedy, co-founder of Skyrol, delves into the revolutionary concept of digital twin technology and its potential to reshape urban planning and sustainability. He explains how virtual city models can simulate human interactions and guide infrastructure decisions. The podcast also features inspiring twin sisters discussing their award-winning carbon capture system and highlights advancements in cube satellite technology for environmental monitoring. Together, these topics paint a vivid picture of innovation driving eco-friendly solutions.