POLITICO Tech

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.

David Risher, CEO of Lyft, advocates for gig worker benefits and national standards for autonomous vehicles. He shares insights on the evolving relationship between gig work and tech regulation. Risher discusses the vulnerabilities faced by Lyft drivers, particularly part-timers, and the need for better safety protections. He envisions a future where autonomous vehicles are integrated into society, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive regulatory framework. Risher expresses optimism about the new administration's potential to support innovation and balance worker rights.

François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry, discusses the looming trade tensions and their implications for Canada as Donald Trump returns to power. He highlights the intertwined economies of Canada and the U.S., particularly in critical minerals and AI. Champagne underscores Canada’s appeal as a stable investment during U.S. uncertainties and emphasizes the need for strong North American ties to navigate potential challenges. The conversation also touches on collaborative efforts in energy and AI, aiming for responsible practices amidst geopolitical shifts.

Gabby Miller, an insightful tech reporter and author of POLITICO's Morning Tech, dives into the fascinating interactions between Silicon Valley's elite and the Trump administration. She shares how tech CEOs have transitioned from political detachment to active involvement at Mar-a-Lago. The discussions reveal their strategies for navigating complex political relationships, especially regarding potential regulations on AI and competition with TikTok. Gabby also touches on the intricate bond between the tech industry and China, shedding light on the challenges ahead.

Andrei Popoviciu, a Romanian freelance investigative journalist, dives into the shocking cancellation of Romania's presidential election amidst allegations of Russian interference via TikTok influencers. He discusses the rise of a far-right candidate and the crisis of misinformation surrounding the situation. The conversation highlights the urgent need for greater transparency among social media influencers and confronts TikTok’s responsibility in managing election disinformation. Popoviciu sheds light on how these events could reshape future European elections.

Jessica Rosenworcel, the outgoing FCC Chairwoman and a Democrat who served during the Trump administration, shares her insights on the importance of the FCC's independence. She discusses the implications of a changing political landscape on media regulation. Concerns about cybersecurity in communication networks and the FCC's evolving role in combating misinformation also take center stage. Rosenworcel emphasizes the need for robust standards while reflecting on her tenure and the challenges in navigating free speech and truth in today's media environment.