POLITICO Tech

Bharat Ramamurti, former deputy director of the National Economic Council under President Biden, discusses the looming threat of AI-driven unemployment, dubbing it the biggest economic issue currently ignored. He emphasizes the urgent need for national dialogue on job displacement as we head into the next election cycle. Ramamurti also critiques historical government assistance for displaced workers, advocating for more empowering measures. The conversation dives into the complexities of taxing corporations that replace human workers with AI and the wider economic implications at play.

Dean Ball, former senior policy adviser in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, shares insights on his role in crafting Trump's AI Action Plan. He discusses the crucial balance in AI regulation to encourage innovation while managing risks. Ball highlights the potential bubble in AI investment and the implications of allowing China to acquire American microchips. He emphasizes the ongoing challenges of copyright in AI, including fair compensation for artists, and the necessity for strategic collaboration between government and private sectors in guiding future AI development.

Suhas Subramanyam, Congressman from Virginia's 10th district and former tech policy advisor to President Obama, dives into the looming cybersecurity risks of quantum computing. He discusses his new legislation aimed at preparing the government for these challenges. The conversation highlights the urgent need for collaboration on post-quantum encryption strategies to protect sensitive data. Subramanyam also critiques the political landscapes of AI policy, comparing Trump’s recent plans with past bipartisan efforts while addressing ethical concerns in technology.

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.