POLITICO Tech

Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democratic Senator from Oregon and author of "It Takes Chutzpah," reflects on his 44-year career in Washington. He delves into the impact of Section 230 on free speech and the need for responsible content moderation. Wyden discusses the influence of Elon Musk and the implications of tariffs under the incoming Trump administration. He advocates for grassroots involvement in tech accountability and critiques government efficiency proposals, highlighting the enduring significance of 'chutzpah' in politics.

Join Tyler Katzenberger, POLITICO’s California tech reporter, as he dives into the contentious intersection of wildfires and artificial intelligence. He reveals how data centers are criticized for their hefty water and electricity demands during fire crises. Katzenberger discusses California's legislative push for sustainable AI practices amidst ongoing water scarcity. Explore the complex politics of tech resource management and the urgent need for accountability in California's evolving landscape of environmental challenges.

Emilie Choi, president and COO of Coinbase, is at the forefront of cryptocurrency's revitalized political engagement. In an eye-opening discussion, she reveals how the crypto industry transformed from a political outcast to a key player in Washington. Choi highlights the strategic investments made to support crypto-friendly candidates, the push for clearer regulations, and the importance of bipartisan support. Her insights into the evolving narrative around crypto and the potential impact of a favorable regulatory landscape provide a compelling glimpse into the future of the industry.

Alexios Mantzarlis, Director of the Security, Trust, and Safety Initiative at Cornell Tech and former founding director of the International Fact-Checking Network, shares his insights on the recent changes at Meta. He challenges Mark Zuckerberg's critique of fact-checkers, arguing that the shift could undermine trust and escalate misinformation. The discussion reveals the complexities of bias in social media fact-checking, the risks of crowdsourced systems, and the urgent need for accountability in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.

Alan Rozenshtein, a law professor at the University of Minnesota and former lawyer in the Justice Department's National Security Division, joins the discussion on TikTok's urgent battle against a possible U.S. ban. The conversation dives into the implications of the Supreme Court's upcoming arguments and the potential outcomes that could reshape the app's future. Rozenshtein also unpacks the complexities of free speech versus national security, while examining the intricate ties between politics and legal decisions surrounding the social media platform.

John Samples, Vice President and First Amendment scholar at the Cato Institute, dives into Meta's recent shifts in content moderation under CEO Mark Zuckerberg. He discusses the removal of fact-checkers and what it means for political content as Trump re-enters the scene. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggle of balancing free speech with the potential for bias, the impact of European regulations, and the necessity for social media platforms to navigate political pressures while striving for neutrality.

Brendan Bordelon, a POLITICO tech reporter, unpacks the clash between Silicon Valley and immigration restrictionists within Trump's camp. He discusses how tech companies rely on foreign talent to fill critical STEM roles and the resulting political friction as Trump supporters grapple with high-skilled immigration. Bordelon highlights tensions rising during debates, particularly around the hiring of AI experts and H-1B visas. He also analyzes the complexities of Trump's immigration policies and what they mean for the tech industry's future.

Join digital minimalism advocate Jose Briones, known for promoting low-tech living across platforms like YouTube and Substack. He shares his personal journey battling smartphone addiction and the challenges of reducing screen time. The conversation dives into the allure of 'dumb phones' as an antidote to excessive device use. Jose emphasizes the importance of intentional technology use, offering practical strategies for minimizing smartphone reliance and fostering a more mindful digital lifestyle.

Derek Robertson, author of Digital Future Daily, dives into the tech policy clashes we can expect in 2025. He discusses Elon Musk's disruptive influence on Congress and how his online antics affect governance. The conversation also highlights the intense immigration debate among Trump supporters and its implications for skilled tech workers. Robertson unveils the deepening U.S.-China tech tensions and how these dynamics could reshape our society and workforce amidst rapid technological advancements.

Senator Mike Rounds, a key Republican voice from South Dakota, dives into his tech agenda for 2025, emphasizing the crucial link between artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. He highlights the need for the U.S. to lead in AI innovation while maintaining robust cybersecurity measures. Rounds discusses the necessity of bipartisan legislation to foster AI development and the importance of addressing significant cyber threats, including those from foreign adversaries. With influential tech figures shaping policies, collaboration will be vital for national security.