POLITICO Tech

Rob Geckle, Chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, dives into the competition between Silicon Valley and traditional defense contractors in the space industry. He discusses the implications of federal budget cuts and the escalating U.S. space race with China. Geckle highlights how tech companies are innovating in defense, particularly through AI and autonomy, and explores how recent conflicts have reshaped military technology. The conversation sheds light on the transformation of warfare and the crucial role of software in modern military strategies.

Neil Chilson, Head of AI Policy at the Abundance Institute, shares his insights on President Trump's newly unveiled AI Action Plan. The plan aims to boost U.S. competitiveness in AI by cutting federal regulations, presenting a financial boon for Silicon Valley. However, Chilson warns about the proposal’s implications for political agendas, particularly concerning wokeness. The conversation also navigates the tensions between federal oversight and state regulations, and the challenges tech companies face in addressing bias and hate speech in AI moderation.

Father Paolo Benanti, a professor and AI advisor for the Vatican, shares his insights on the ethical concerns surrounding artificial intelligence. He discusses the Catholic Church's critical role in advocating for regulation as new technologies evolve. The conversation highlights the historical engagement of the Church with technological advancements, emphasizing AI's potential to serve the common good while warning against risks like algorithmic bias. Benanti argues for the need for accountability and collaborative regulatory efforts to uphold democracy and ethical standards.

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!