POLITICO Tech

Adam Wren, a national political reporter, dives into a controversial Republican attack ad in Indiana featuring digitally altered images. The discussion highlights the implications of AI and deepfake technology on political messaging and the authenticity crisis it brings. Wren sheds light on the potential legal consequences of the ad’s manipulation, and the resulting political fallout, especially amidst growing concerns over misinformation and voter trust. Tune in for a breakdown of how this ad may reshape campaign strategies in the future.

Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee known for her focus on antitrust issues, joins Josh Sisco, a POLITICO reporter, to discuss her approach to regulating Big Tech. They explore the tension between innovation and accountability, highlighting Harris's unique position on privacy versus her confrontations with tech executives. Sisco offers insights into Harris's economic plans and the potential challenges she may face in advancing her antitrust agenda, especially regarding ongoing investigations and the influence of her diverse advisory team.

Annie Rees, a California legislative reporter, joins Lara Korte and Jeremy White, who specialize in political developments and state policy, to dissect Governor Gavin Newsom's veto of a significant AI bill. They explore the implications of this decision on AI safety regulations and its mixed reception in the tech industry. Discussion highlights the ongoing tensions between innovation and the need for regulatory frameworks, as well as the uncertain future of AI legislation in California and beyond.

Pentagon's AI chief Radha Plumb dives into the future of war, discussing the U.S. military's innovative AI overhaul and its ethical implications. She contrasts American strategies with China's ambitious advances in AI technology. Technology reporter Mohar Chatterjee raises critical questions on the use of autonomous drones and regulatory challenges. They also explore the necessity of public-private collaboration for military AI enhancement and the importance of a global consensus on ethical standards in warfare.

David Ferris, a journalist from POLITICO’s E&E News, delves into Georgia's electric vehicle landscape, where billions have been invested, yet local voters remain skeptical. He discusses the political fallout for both parties as EVs become a crucial issue in the upcoming elections. Ferris highlights the disconnect between advancements in manufacturing and public concerns over costs and infrastructure. As Georgia stands at a crossroads, he analyzes how attitudes toward EVs reflect broader tensions in Southern politics and the shaping of campaign strategies.

Jon Bateman, co-director at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, dives into the complex relationship between the U.S. and China regarding technology. He discusses Biden's strategy of 'de-risking' instead of total decoupling, highlighting national security concerns. Bateman examines the implications of recent semiconductor export controls and potential TikTok bans. He also analyzes how future U.S. administrations might alter tech policies and the intricate dependencies that fuel this evolving geopolitical landscape.

Michael Kratsios, former U.S. Chief Technology Officer and now managing director at Scale AI, shares insights on Trump's potential tech policies in a second term. He discusses the evolution of AI policy during Trump's presidency, including a significant 2019 executive order. Kratsios highlights the importance of smaller tech firms, the challenge of Chinese advancements in AI, and the idea of 'sovereign AI.' He also addresses national security concerns related to AI and the complexities of data privacy in government applications.

Marietje Schaake, a former EU parliamentarian and current Stanford scholar, argues that Silicon Valley has executed a major power grab, undermining democratic processes. She discusses the alarming influence of tech companies on governance and accountability, emphasizing the urgent need for regulation. Schaake elaborates on differing approaches to tech regulation between the EU and US, and how the upcoming presidential election could reshape the landscape of technology policy, urging for protection of democratic values in this digital age.

Ian Bremmer, founder and president of Eurasia Group and a key UN advisor on AI, discusses pressing issues regarding artificial intelligence on a global scale. He emphasizes the risks of AI monopolization by wealthy nations and advocates for equitable governance. Bremmer argues for collaborative decision-making that includes developing countries to harness AI for sustainable development. He draws parallels between today’s geopolitical tensions and the Cold War, highlighting the need for cooperation to navigate the challenges of ungoverned AI.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, is gearing up for a pivotal speech at the UN General Assembly, emphasizing collaboration on AI among world leaders. Karan Bhatia, Google's head of government affairs, joins the discussion on how AI can tackle global challenges like food insecurity and climate change while addressing ethical and regulatory concerns. They explore the delicate balance between innovation and responsibility, and how the current antitrust landscape affects Google’s AI ambitions, all while advocating for enhanced tech governance and U.S. competitiveness in the sector.