POLITICO Tech

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.

Julie Inman Grant, Australia's e-safety commissioner and former tech executive, discusses the groundbreaking decision to ban minors under 16 from social media. She explains the challenges of implementing this bold legislation and the importance of balancing child safety with privacy concerns. Inman Grant emphasizes the role of digital literacy in helping children navigate online risks and advocates for international cooperation in establishing effective safety regulations. The world is closely watching Australia's experiment in protecting young users.

Laura Sheridan, Google's Head of Patent Policy, dives into AI's evolving role in innovation and patent law. She discusses the surprising statistic that 17% of current inventions benefit from generative AI. Sheridan clarifies Google's position that AI cannot be labeled as an inventor, exploring the implications for patentability with human contributions. The conversation also touches on the urgent need for clearer patent guidelines as AI technologies continue to reshape the landscape of intellectual property.

Emily Dickens, Head of Government Affairs for the Society of Human Resource Management, discusses the rising trend of 'right to disconnect' laws aimed at curbing after-work communications. She argues that such regulations may interfere with how businesses define work-life balance. The conversation highlights the ongoing debate over government involvement in workplace culture, advocating for better communication and support systems to enhance employee well-being. Dickens emphasizes the importance of maintaining flexibility in the tech-driven workplace.

Ruth Reader, a health tech reporter at POLITICO, dives deep into the Kids Online Safety Act. She discusses the unexpected momentum it gained after endorsements from Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr. Reader highlights significant revisions aimed at enhancing social media companies' responsibilities and the FTC’s role in safeguarding children. The conversation also touches on the intricate dynamics of bipartisan support amidst mounting political pressures, making a compelling case for why this legislation could finally gain traction.

Carrie Cordero, a national security attorney and senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, dives into the legal fight surrounding TikTok. She discusses a recent federal court ruling that could force TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest due to national security concerns. Cordero examines the tension between First Amendment rights and security issues, the future of the app amidst potential Supreme Court challenges, and the broader implications for U.S.-China tech relations.

Maggie Miller, a cybersecurity reporter for POLITICO, provides an in-depth analysis of a significant cyber breach by Chinese hackers. The attack compromised telecom networks, exposing data of millions, including that of President-elect Trump. Miller discusses the challenges in stopping the breach, the implications for American privacy, and ongoing governmental responses. She emphasizes the urgency for individuals to adopt protective measures against cyber threats, while highlighting the gap between the private sector and federal action in enhancing cybersecurity.

Pieter Haeck, a POLITICO reporter, dives into the surprising rise of far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, fueled by TikTok's viral reach. He explores allegations of fake accounts and the impact of influencers on Romanian elections, raising questions about democratic integrity. The conversation shifts to TikTok's struggles with EU regulations and its tricky balance between censorship and free speech, while concerns about misinformation swirl. Haeck illustrates how social media's role in politics is reshaping trust in media and influencing geopolitics.

Derek Robertson, author of the Digital Future Daily newsletter, dives into Marc Andreessen's bold endorsement of Trump and its potential ramifications. They discuss how this backing could reshape Washington's tech landscape, particularly regarding AI and cryptocurrency. The conversation highlights the clash between traditional media and social media's impact on public opinion, plus the concerns surrounding censorship in a Trump-led administration. Robertson also explores how libertarian ideals influence tech investments and the shifting dynamics of political engagement.