POLITICO Tech

Journalist Byron Tau discusses government procurement of personal data from data brokers, revealing the extensive surveillance state in the US. The podcast explores global information warfare, implications on abortion access, and evolving privacy concerns with emerging technologies.

Lawmakers in the European Parliament discover spyware on their phones, raising cybersecurity concerns before the elections. The discussion delves into the Pegasus spyware revelation, implications on EU defense strategy, and responses within the European Parliament. The scandal highlights the widespread use of spyware and the need for enhanced personal device security.

The podcast delves into the legal battle over social media content moderation laws before SCOTUS. It explores tech companies' First Amendment rights, the complexities of regulating social media, and the importance of accountability for tech platforms. The discussion highlights the challenges of balancing free expression and the need for effective and constitutional regulations.

Explore how AI is revolutionizing Homeland Security with insights from Eric Hysen, the chief AI officer. From border security to election security, learn about DHS's AI strategies, challenges in predictive modeling, and the ethical considerations for use in operations. Discover how technology is enhancing immigration processes, border patrol efficiency, and the risks AI poses to critical infrastructure sectors.

Federal agencies in Washington are cracking down on AI-generated deepfakes, focusing on bans on robocalls, election misinformation, and fraud. The podcast discusses the challenges posed by scammers using advanced technology to evade regulations and the importance of proactive measures. It also explores the need for comprehensive laws to address the evolving AI landscape and the role of Congress in overseeing AI use.

A Michigan company called Hemlock Semiconductor got the red carpet treatment from President Joe Biden back in 2022. As Biden stood outside the White House, he pledged the  CHIPS and Science Act would support Hemlock and other suppliers. But things haven’t fully panned out that way for Hemlock. Other companies similarly argue that Biden’s landmark CHIPS and Science Act should provide more money for microchip suppliers -- otherwise, it risks falling short on his national security goals, ultimately complicating his re-election effort. Host Steven Overly talks with reporter Christine Mui about the tensions over chips money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Matze is the former CEO of Parler. You might recall, that’s the social media app that became a favorite for far-right personalities spreading conspiracies during the 2020 election. And he was fired in the wake of the Jan. 6th insurrection, an attack he said at the time was not Parler’s fault. Now, John is trying for a second act with a new app that’s part social media, part news aggregator. On POLITICO Tech, John tells host Steven Overly what he learned from his handling of the last election and how exactly he plans to do things differently this time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech companies worldwide have laid off nearly 35,000 workers so far this year, adding to the worst stretch of job cuts the industry has seen in decades. In the U.S., cities dependent on the tech sector like Seattle and San Francisco are among the hardest hit. On POLITICO Tech, University of Washington professor Jeff Shulman joins host Steven Overly to explore the economic and political impact of tech’s big layoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Joe Biden officially joined TikTok this week --  a surprise that may have delighted no one more than TikTok itself. The video sharing app has been sharply criticized in Washington over supposed ties to China, and the Biden campaign’s decision to sign up marks a political win. But how should Biden actually use the platform? On POLITICO Tech, reporters Hailey Fuchs and Rachel Janfaza help us take a scroll through Biden’s TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.K.’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Bim Afolami, is making a swing through the U.S. and Canada this week, pitching his home country as a hub for crypto and fintech. Afolami sat down with POLITICO Tech ahead of meetings in Washington to discuss transatlantic crypto regulation, and told host Steven Overly that he doesn’t expect the U.K. and U.S. to see eye-to-eye on rules. In fact, he expects to compete over them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices