Tech Life

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)

An exclusive interview with Bill Ready, boss of social media platform Pinterest. Plus – what is actually stolen in a cyber-attack, the end of dial-up and are AI pets the future?Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones(Image: A phone with the red Pinterest logo on it. Credit: Getty Images)

In this engaging discussion, Professor Marzia Ghassimi from MIT shares her expertise on AI in healthcare, highlighting challenges like demographic bias and model vulnerabilities. She emphasizes the need for stronger regulations to ensure the safety of AI applications. Marzia reveals how small changes in input can drastically alter AI recommendations, raising safety concerns. She also uncovers AI's ability to infer sensitive demographic information from medical images, prompting a cautionary message about potential biases in health outcomes.

Tony O'Sullivan, CEO of Retin, shares his expertise on maintaining global internet connectivity amidst challenges like earthquakes and geopolitical tensions. He discusses how innovative solutions, such as light beam technology, could revolutionize data transmission. The conversation also touches on how AI and satellite imagery are reshaping wildlife monitoring, revealing surprising insights into migrating wildebeest populations. O'Sullivan's insights highlight the importance of resilience and adaptation in our increasingly connected world.

In this discussion, Alistair Keane, a tech reporter at IFA in Germany, reveals groundbreaking advancements in hurricane forecasting. He explains how small robotic sailboats collect vital data to help predict storm paths, enhancing safety for communities. The conversation also highlights a Zambian robotics club fostering youth engagement in tech education and innovative solar battery solutions promoting clean energy access in Africa. Keane spotlights the next wave of consumer tech, emphasizing AI-driven home appliances unveiled at the major tech show.

Vasiliki Prestige, a London-based translator and university lecturer, discusses the impact of AI on language translation. She highlights the revolutionary Google smartphone's real-time translation features while weighing its advantages against the irreplaceable skills of human translators. The conversation also explores issues of accountability in AI technology and the importance of inclusive development in translation tools. Additionally, they touch upon the implications of India's ban on online money games and how AI is transforming job roles in various sectors.

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.