POLITICO Tech

Shannon Nash, co-founder of Tech4Kamala, fights to amplify the voices of Silicon Valley's grassroots against billionaire influence. She discusses the importance of supporting Kamala Harris as a tech-friendly candidate who can reshape the industry’s future. Topics include AI regulation, digital equity, and fostering political engagement among tech professionals. Nash advocates for civil conversations and understanding diverse perspectives, stressing the need for unity in navigating today’s political climate.

Betsy Hoover, a Democratic campaign veteran and co-founder of Higher Ground Labs, shares her insights on the transformative role of AI in political campaigns. She discusses how AI aids in tasks like writing fundraising emails and managing social media, making a significant difference in tight races. The conversation highlights the need for responsible AI usage in politics and contrasts the tech strategies of Democrats and Republicans. Hoover believes that leveraging advanced technology effectively could boost voter engagement and help propel Democrats to victory.

Join influencer Olivia Julianna and creator economy expert Lia Haberman as they delve into the vibrant role of content creators at the Democratic National Convention. Julianna shares her experiences engaging young voters through social media. They discuss how influencers are reshaping political narratives and challenging traditional media's grip on political news. The conversation also highlights the balance between advocacy and objective journalism, shedding light on the evolving relationship between creators and news reporting in our digital age.

Adam Candeub, a former Trump administration official, shares his insights on the ongoing battle between conservatives and big tech over online speech. He argues that a Trump return to the White House is crucial for advancing free speech initiatives. The discussion navigates the complexities of tech regulations and their implications for free speech, spotlighting the potential influence of figures like Elon Musk in reshaping social media. Candeub also emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to regulation, advocating for bipartisan solutions amid a politically charged environment.

Doha Mekki, the DOJ's principal deputy assistant attorney general for antitrust, shares insights on the landmark ruling against Google for its monopolistic practices. She discusses the implications of this victory for online markets and the significance of public accountability. The conversation explores how Google's default agreements impact competition and innovation. Mekki also highlights the evolving landscape of antitrust law, emphasizing the Biden administration's proactive strategies for enhancing market fairness while navigating political challenges.

Jake DeWitte is the CEO of Oklo, a Silicon Valley startup pioneering small nuclear reactor technology. He discusses the Biden administration's significant investments in small modular reactors and their potential to reshape America's nuclear industry. DeWitte offers insights into the unique advantages of next-generation reactors, including safety and efficiency. The conversation also touches on bipartisan support for nuclear energy, the challenges of regulatory processes, and the necessity of a mixed approach in reactor development to meet diverse energy demands.

Alfred Ng, a reporter focused on legal issues surrounding data privacy, discusses a pivotal lawsuit against General Motors, accused of selling driver data without consent. He explains the implications this case could have on consumer rights and potential future legal battles. The conversation touches on how data collection by car manufacturers can influence insurance rates, raising alarm over privacy concerns in our tech-driven lives. Ng also highlights the broader challenges posed by automated decision-making and the need for transparency in data practices.

Michael Kaiser, CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns, delves into the alarming trends of cybersecurity threats facing political campaigns. He discusses the recent hacking incident involving the Trump campaign, highlighting the ongoing vulnerabilities campaigns face despite improved defenses. Kaiser points out the unique cybersecurity challenges, from phishing to inadequate third-party connections, that can affect both small and large campaigns. He also emphasizes the need for proactive measures and cyber resilience as foreign cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated.

Mark Graham from the Internet Archive discusses his organization's vital role in preserving digital history during presidential transitions. He emphasizes the urgency of documenting events like the January 6th insurrection and the bipartisan need to protect information from political tampering. The podcast dives into the technical challenges of archiving vast amounts of data, the impact on future AI training, and the necessity of maintaining a historical record, especially concerning climate change data. Graham's passion for digital preservation shines through as he shares insights into this crucial work.

In this insightful chat, UCLA professor Sarah Roberts, a specialist in technology and its societal impacts, dives into Elon Musk's controversial control of X. She discusses the implications of Musk’s clashes with government officials and the surge of misinformation. The conversation highlights the challenges of unregulated social media on democracy, the complex relationship between free speech and financial interests, and Musk's aggressive legal tactics against advertisers. Roberts sheds light on the troubling state of tech accountability and election integrity.