POLITICO Tech

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.

President Donald Trump was sworn into office just over 100 days ago. And ever since Inauguration Day, tech industry leaders like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have been a regular presence at the White House. But the start of Trump’s term — from tariffs to antitrust trials to DOGE cuts — has been rocky for Silicon Valley. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Brendan Bordelon joins host Steven Overly for a debrief on Trump’s first 100 days in office, and a look at what’s to come in the next 100. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of trade and technology. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg spent hours in a Washington courtroom this week answering questions about his decision to buy Instagram and WhatsApp more than a decade ago — and whether the social media empire he now oversees is a monopoly. Losing the high-stakes lawsuit, which was brought by the Federal Trade Commission, could ultimately lead to Meta being broken up. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly unpacks Meta’s week in court with former Republican FTC Chair Bill Kovacic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.