POLITICO Tech

Vilas Dhar, president of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, dives into the crucial relationship between technology and humanity. He discusses how empowering individuals is essential to regain agency over tech, advocating for a national digital ID system as a first step. The conversation highlights the need for embedding human values in design, while addressing privacy concerns and the preferences for decentralized systems over corporate control. Dhar also emphasizes the importance of education in technology to reshape power dynamics and promote accountability.

Patrick McGee, author of 'Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company,' dives into how Apple's deep-rooted reliance on China has reshaped its business strategy. He discusses the intricate dance between Apple and Beijing, revealing the toxic codependency that has emerged amid U.S.-China trade tensions. McGee highlights the challenges Apple faces, from local regulations to potential shifts in production, and offers strategic lessons for other businesses navigating similar geopolitical waters.

John Hendel, a POLITICO reporter specializing in the FCC, dives into the agency's new Republican majority marked by Olivia Trusty's appointment. The discussion reveals how this shift might enhance Chair Brendan Carr's Trump-inspired agenda, pushing scrutiny on broadcasters and social media for alleged conservative bias. Hendel explains the possible expanded regulatory reach over media content, the political ramifications for legacy news, and how these changes could challenge existing technology regulations.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, an acclaimed actor and founder of HitRecord, shares his captivating insights on artificial intelligence and its implications for creativity. He discusses his fascination with the technology while expressing concerns over how creators are compensated. The conversation touches on the need for ethical practices in AI, digital ownership, and the responsibility of tech companies. Gordon-Levitt also critiques Hollywood's portrayal of AI, urging for narratives that foster a more accurate understanding of technology's impact on society.

Tate Reeves, the Governor of Mississippi, is on a mission to transform his state into a tech powerhouse, branding it as the 'Digital Delta.' He discusses how Mississippi aims to leverage its energy resources and invest in workforce training to seize the AI opportunity. The conversation touches on the challenges posed by federal policies, workforce development for AI jobs, and the impact of international visa regulations on local talent. Reeves drives home the potential for economic growth and innovation in the South through strategic investments in AI.

Sen. Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana known for advocating research investment in AI and biotechnology, discusses his push against the research funding cuts imposed by President Trump. Young emphasizes the need for a robust national innovation strategy, highlighting a proposed $32 billion annual investment in AI. They also dive into the impact of U.S. visa policies on foreign STEM talent and the ethical dilemmas of restricting research access based on national origin. This tension illustrates the challenges lawmakers face in balancing party loyalty with advancing technology.

Declan Harty, a POLITICO capital markets reporter, delves into the complex relationship between Donald Trump and the crypto industry. He discusses Trump’s remarkable shift from skepticism to advocacy, including his family's ventures into digital currencies. Ethical concerns arise over potential conflicts of interest as Trump's financial ties deepen. Harty also touches on the political ramifications of these developments, especially regarding legislation affecting stablecoins and the industry's future in Washington. It's a fascinating exploration of power and finance!

In this discussion, Sam Hammond, Chief Economist at the Foundation for American Innovation, dives into the controversial proposal to ban state-level AI regulations for a decade. He shares insights on how this moratorium could reshape the AI landscape amid a global tech race, especially against competitors like China. The conversation critiques the existing regulatory challenges and highlights the urgent need for a unified federal framework to tackle AI's rapid evolution while balancing industry interests and safety concerns.

Mohammed Soliman, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, unpacks the evolving relationship between U.S. tech companies and Gulf states. He highlights a monumental shift from oil-driven partnerships to a focus on AI and innovation, spurred by new leadership in countries like Saudi Arabia. The discussion covers the lucrative $600 billion opportunities in tech, the competitive dynamic with China, and the strategic importance of navigating risks in tech ties. Soliman emphasizes how this transformation is crucial for the U.S. to maintain its global edge.

Page Hedley, a former OpenAI employee and head of Not for Private Gain, discusses the company's recent decision to abandon its restructuring plans. Despite this move, he expresses skepticism about OpenAI's commitment to ethical AI development. The conversation dives into the implications of a hybrid nonprofit structure, potential legal challenges, and the broader accountability within the tech industry. Hedley emphasizes the need for vigilance to ensure AI technologies truly benefit humanity.