POLITICO Tech

Dave Baszucki, Co-founder and CEO of Roblox, discusses the critical balance between online safety and user engagement in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. He dives into the implications of new legislation aimed at protecting kids online and how Roblox is adapting. Baszucki also shares insights on the company's involvement in tariff debates and his bold aspirations regarding TikTok. With a focus on AI's role in content moderation, he highlights the necessity for transparency to maintain a safe and enjoyable platform for the millions of young users.

Nazak Nikakhtar, a former Commerce Department official during Trump’s first term and a law partner at Wiley, delves into the heated trade war with China. She emphasizes the vulnerability of the tech industry facing Beijing's retaliation amid soaring tariffs. Nikakhtar discusses the complexities of U.S.-China economic decoupling and the need for local supply chains to mitigate crises. She raises concerns about national security intertwined with corporate influence, particularly regarding companies like Huawei, painting a vivid picture of the geopolitical landscape.

Join Rachael Bade, Capitol Bureau Chief at POLITICO, and Issie Lapowsky, a seasoned tech journalist, as they delve into the implications of Elon Musk's possible departure from political influence. They discuss the political maneuvering he faces with Trump, the strains on his business, particularly Tesla's sales slump, and how wealth impacts political dynamics. The duo also explores Musk’s polarizing persona and the fears within Silicon Valley about his power, questioning what his exit could mean for the tech community and the political landscape.

Michael Froman, the President of the Council on Foreign Relations and former U.S. Trade Representative, discusses the fallout from 'Liberation Day' and its impact on Silicon Valley. He explores the uncertainties tariffs introduce for tech investments and supply chains. Froman highlights the ongoing U.S.-China negotiations, particularly concerning TikTok, and the potential regulatory challenges from the EU and China. His insights shed light on how protectionism might reshape American innovation and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.

Hannah Northey, an E&E News reporter specializing in the mining industry, joins to discuss Greenland's significance in the global tech race. They explore the territory's rich reserves of critical minerals and the strategic interest from U.S. officials. Northey highlights how Greenland could be crucial for military technology while balancing environmental concerns. The conversation touches on the geopolitical competition with China over resources and the potential for AI data centers taking advantage of the island's cold climate.

Graham Brookie, vice president of technology programs at the Atlantic Council and former National Security Council advisor, dives into the risks of sharing sensitive information on commercial apps like Signal. He discusses the blurred lines of what constitutes classified information and warns against the inherent vulnerabilities of using personal messaging for government communications. Brookie emphasizes the critical need for secure channels to protect national security, especially following the recent leak of military operations.

Peter Kyle, the UK’s secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, discusses the promising yet challenging collaboration between the U.S. and UK on AI and tech. He emphasizes the need for joint efforts amidst geopolitical tensions and echoes concerns over the Trump administration's stance on digital taxes. Kyle navigates the complexities of tech regulation, advocating for a balance between innovation and safety. He highlights the UK's ambitions to attract venture capital and build strong ties with the U.S. tech community.

Silicon Valley’s bet that a Trump administration would be friendly to tech has a big payoff: Vice President JD Vance. At the American Dynamism Summit this week, Vance spoke at length about bolstering U.S. innovation and manufacturing, and bridging the divide between so-called “populists” and “techno-optimists.” The summit was hosted by venture capital firm Andreesen Horowitz, which became the tech-for-Trump poster child during the election. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Katherine Boyle, the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz’s American Dynamism practice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Elon Musk-made moment of government upheaval has some business executives seeing dollar signs, and that includes Matt Calkins, the CEO of software company Appian. Calkins contends there are billions of dollars to be saved in how the government buys stuff, but reforming that process requires “the most powerful digital worker ever invented” — artificial intelligence. On POLITICO Tech, Calkins tells host Steven Overly how he thinks AI can tackle the government’s waste problem, and why Musk and Washington must find a way to get along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry, says America’s northern neighbor is “not like some small country that you can push around.” That’s why Champagne is in Washington today with other Canadian officials seeking an economic reset after a week of tariff-fueled tensions with the U.S. On POLITICO Tech, Champagne joins host Steven Overly to discuss President Donald Trump’s trade war and the potential impact of Canada’s new prime minister. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices