POLITICO Tech

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.

Nick Suplina, Senior Vice President of Law and Policy at Everytown for Gun Safety, discusses how the organization is harnessing AI to advocate for gun violence prevention. He shares insights about their innovative chatbot, "Ask Everytown," designed to provide factual answers about gun violence and combat misinformation. Suplina highlights the chatbot's potential to shift entrenched views and enhance public discourse on gun laws, all while navigating biases and ethical concerns in a highly polarized environment.

Catherine Morehouse, an energy reporter for POLITICO and author of Morning Energy, joins the discussion about Trump's ambitious plans for AI and energy regulation. They explore how Trump's desire for data centers to connect directly to coal power plants could clash with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The conversation reveals the complexities of balancing industrial energy needs with consumer protection. Additionally, they highlight an innovative AI model from DeepSeek that could change the energy landscape amidst growing power demands.

Bob Davis, a seasoned journalist and POLITICO contributor, dives into the complex landscape of U.S.-China trade relations and the tech industry's role in it. He discusses the potential impact of Trump’s anticipated tariffs on tech companies, highlighting their vulnerabilities to Chinese retaliation. The conversation also explores how technology intertwines with trade policies and the pushback from the tech sector against these tariffs. Davis emphasizes that U.S.-China tech competition will be a defining issue moving forward.

Lionel Barber, former Financial Times editor and author of "Gambling Man," dives into the intriguing world of Masayoshi Son, chairman of SoftBank. Barber discusses Son's pivotal role in tech investments and his surprising alignment with Trump's administration. The conversation reveals the geopolitics of U.S.-China relations, highlighting how Son's strategic moves in the tech landscape signify a broader narrative of economic competition. From hefty investment pledges to humorous interactions with Trump, this discussion uncovers the intricate blend of politics and tech.

Bill Drexel, a tech and national security fellow at the Center for a New American Security, dives into the burgeoning AI landscape following China's launch of the DeepSeek model. He discusses how DeepSeek rivals American AI technology at a fraction of the cost, shaking up investor confidence. The conversation highlights national security implications and the impact of U.S. sanctions on China's tech ambitions. Drexel emphasizes the urgent need for a robust U.S. strategy to navigate this escalating AI competition and maintain tech leadership.