POLITICO Tech

Satya Thallam, a senior advisor at Americans for Responsible Innovation and a former counselor in the Office of Management and Budget, shares insights on the evolving tech landscape under new Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. He discusses the anticipated policy shifts surrounding artificial intelligence and U.S.-China tech relations. Thallam highlights the potential security-focused approach to technology, the complexities of AI safety initiatives, and the challenges posed by workforce cuts in government technology offices. It's a deep dive into the future of tech policy during a pivotal administration.

Mohar Chatterjee, a reporter for POLITICO, dives into the implications of Gail Slater's nomination to lead the Justice Department's antitrust division. They discuss how Slater plans to navigate the complexities of regulating major companies like Apple and Google. Chatterjee highlights the contrasting antitrust strategies between the Trump and Biden administrations, alongside shifting Republican views on Big Tech censorship. The dialogue also touches on how evolving competition metrics intersect with AI regulation, shaping the future of both industries.

Alondra Nelson, a professor and co-author of President Biden's AI Bill of Rights, shares her insights on AI policy after attending Vice President JD Vance's speech in Paris. Nelson discusses the contrasting views on AI safety and its impact on the workforce, emphasizing the need for integrating workers' rights into AI legislation. She critiques the America-first strategy, highlighting concerns over bias and censorship in emerging technologies while advocating for balanced regulation that fosters innovation and protects rights.

Elena Schneider, a national political reporter for POLITICO, dives into the shifting sands of Silicon Valley's political loyalties. She explores how Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, are making a push to win back tech donors who have leaned towards Trump. Schneider highlights concerns about the absence of conversation on key issues like AI and cryptocurrency, emphasizing the desperate need for a constructive Democratic vision. She also discusses the potential fallout if these influential donors align more with the Republican party.

Samantha Radocchia, known as Sam Rad, is an anthropologist and tech entrepreneur who advises organizations like the United Nations on future technological impacts. In this discussion, she explores the rise of a decentralized society that may upend traditional power structures. Radocchia delves into how technologies like Bitcoin reshape identity and governance. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to rapid changes and the role of generative AI in innovation, while advocating for reclaiming humanity in a post-human landscape.

Maggie Miller, a cybersecurity reporter for Politico, dives into the repercussions of recent budget cuts at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). She highlights how personnel changes—many from election security roles—are impacting efforts against election disinformation. Miller discusses the agency's shift in focus under the new Homeland Security leadership and raises alarms about escalating cybersecurity threats, particularly from foreign adversaries, as CISA navigates its uncertain future.

Yoshua Bengio, an AI pioneer and professor at the University of Montreal, shares his insights on the urgent need for AI safety in light of the upcoming AI Action Summit in Paris. He highlights the dramatic shift in focus from risk mitigation to rapid deployment of technology. Bengio urges leaders to address the uncertainties surrounding general-purpose AI and emphasizes the necessity of responsible regulations. He also discusses the global implications of Generative AI and the challenges posed by varying governmental attitudes toward safety and innovation.

Chad Bown, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and former chief economist at the State Department, sheds light on the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China. He discusses the significant impact of the 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports and its repercussions for tech companies. Bown also delves into how e-commerce businesses like Timu and Wish are adapting to new regulatory challenges. Additionally, he explores the broader geopolitical implications of these trade policies in the tech landscape.

Alan Butler, President and Executive Director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, dives into the troubling implications of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. He unveils the alarming privacy breaches tied to DOGE, particularly its access to sensitive government data. Butler critiques the current government reform approaches and discusses the potential legal violations concerning Treasury data. He highlights the need for rigorous investigations to uphold transparency and safeguard citizens' privacy rights.

Matt Perault, head of AI policy at Andreessen Horowitz and expert in tech regulation, shares critical insights on the fast-evolving landscape of AI laws. He discusses how state legislatures are hastily implementing regulations, potentially stifling innovation for startups. Perault draws parallels to the space race, warning that over-regulation could hinder America’s competitive edge against countries like China. He also advocates for a cohesive federal framework to navigate the complexities of AI while promoting responsible innovation.