

POLITICO Tech
POLITICO
The POLITICO Tech podcast is your download on the disruption that technology is bringing to politics and policy. New episodes on Thursdays.
Episodes
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Apr 24, 2024 • 21min
Former FCC Chair Ajit Pai on net neutrality’s return — and why he hates it
Former FCC Chair Ajit Pai challenges the return of net neutrality regulations, claiming most Americans are indifferent. Podcast delves into the impact of net neutrality on national security and debates equity assurances in AI infrastructure. Discussion on broadband access during the pandemic and the TikTok sale's national security concerns.

Apr 23, 2024 • 17min
Montana's Attorney General on the state's battle to ban TikTok
Montana's Attorney General discusses legal battles with TikTok over potential ban and data privacy concerns. Topics include federal vs. state legislation, constitutional challenges, data collection controversy, and implications of federal intervention on lawsuits.

Apr 22, 2024 • 25min
One-on-one with the UAE's AI minister
The podcast features His Excellency Omar Al Olama, the AI minister of the UAE, discussing alliances in AI, global rulemaking, UAE's progress in AI, significance of international collaboration in AI governance standards, implications of Microsoft's deal in the UAE, addressing energy and environmental implications of AI infrastructure, and the future role of AI ministers in government and governance.

Apr 19, 2024 • 10min
Inside the Chinese embassy’s quiet lobbying on TikTok
Chinese embassy officials lobby on Capitol Hill to prevent a TikTok ban in the US, highlighting national security concerns and implications for US investors. Unexpected meetings with US Congress members show strategic considerations amidst political tensions. Lobbying activities intensify with the introduction of a new AI bill by Senators Cantwell and Young.

Apr 18, 2024 • 18min
Ciao. Adios. Au revoir. Will AI squash European languages?
POLITICO reporter Gian Volpicelli discusses the fear of AI erasing European languages and cultures, exploring the competitiveness in the global AI landscape. Topics include concerns of English dominance, success of the French AI model Mistral, US-EU tech partnerships, and the cultural implications of AI on language diversity.

Apr 17, 2024 • 19min
‘Godzilla vs. Kong: AI Edition’: Talking net neutrality with a former FCC chair
Former FCC chair Tom Wheeler discusses the upcoming vote on restoring net neutrality rules and the impact of artificial intelligence on current policy debates. They explore the importance of fair access and competition in the digital landscape, the potential AI impacts on internet infrastructure, and the intersection of AI and net neutrality in enhancing user experiences.

Apr 16, 2024 • 18min
The White House defends contentious foreign surveillance law
Joshua Geltzer from the National Security Council defends government spy programs in the face of global conflicts. The podcast explores the intense debate surrounding the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, detailing the White House's efforts to secure the law's extension without major reforms. Topics covered include the importance of surveillance for national security, challenges in complying with FISA rules, and the implications for American citizens' privacy.

Apr 15, 2024 • 17min
This tax day, how AI is changing up the IRS
Stanford law professor Dan Ho discusses using AI to combat bias in IRS operations and auditing practices. The podcast explores how machine learning can uncover racial disparities in audit rates and the complexities of achieving algorithmic fairness. They also delve into the challenges and potential benefits of modernizing IRS systems with AI technology.

Apr 12, 2024 • 15min
The controversy around FISA, a key foreign surveillance law, explained
Former Capitol Hill attorney Elizabeth Goitein discusses the controversy around the FISA foreign surveillance law, highlighting concerns about government surveillance, unlawful spying on American citizens, the debate over Section 702, privacy risks in data acquisition practices, push for surveillance back doors, bipartisan calls for reform, and the ongoing political tensions around FISA legislation.

Apr 11, 2024 • 18min
‘Picture your MAGA auntie's Twitter account’: Why a Chinese disinformation group started imitating Americans
The Chinese disinformation network known as Spamouflage has never gotten much traction on social media. Then, a small number of accounts started pretending to be American. On POLITICO Tech, senior analyst Elise Thomas from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue explains why pro-Trump and anti-Biden tweets from a group with ties to the Chinese Communist Party may signal deeper concerns about 2024 election interference.
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