

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
Mentioned books

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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Apr 10, 2024 • 15min
A skeptic's guide to the new data privacy bill
Exploring the new data privacy bill with bipartisan support and its potential impact on state laws. Discussing challenges like data minimization standards and enforcement mechanisms. Analyzing the role of AI in shaping civil rights and the need for compromises in legislation.

Apr 9, 2024 • 19min
One critic's case for why artificial intelligence is actually dumb
Cognitive scientist Gary Marcus challenges AI capabilities, advocating for strict legislation. The podcast delves into debates on AI limitations, data rights for creators, legal liability, and the need for regulations to ensure responsible AI development.

Apr 8, 2024 • 19min
Millions of kids use Roblox. Now, it wants Washington’s attention.
If you haven’t heard of Roblox, your kids certainly have. It’s an online platform for games and other virtual experiences, and most of its users are under 17 years old. As Congress weighs kids’ online safety legislation, Roblox is dispatching its CEO and other executives to D.C. this week. POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly caught up with Roblox policy chief Nicky Jackson Colaco to discuss.
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Apr 5, 2024 • 24min
How the U.S. is becoming more like China on tech
Former U.S. trade representative Mike Froman discusses the Biden administration's protectionist economic policies and the need for the U.S. to become 'more like China' on tech. Topics include supply chain diversification, maintaining technological leadership for economic competitiveness, and navigating the complexities of US-China tech tensions.

Apr 4, 2024 • 14min
What Trump’s return would mean for trans-atlantic tech relations
Discussing the potential impact of Trump's return on transatlantic tech relations, including AI collaboration and European regulations. Exploring the implications of EU regulations on tech giants and Biden's executive order on AI. Analyzing past tensions and evolving dynamics between the US and Europe on tech and trade issues.