Big Technology Podcast

Alec MacGillis, a Senior reporter at ProPublica and author of 'Fulfillment,' dives into the economic divide exacerbated by Amazon. He discusses the challenges faced during a historic union election at an Alabama warehouse and the stark shift from manufacturing to fulfillment jobs. MacGillis critiques the notion of meritocracy, shedding light on how elite philanthropy often misses the mark. He also explores the murky connections between Amazon and government procurement, questioning the integrity of these relationships.

Carole Cadwalladr, a Pulitzer Prize finalist known for exposing the Cambridge Analytica scandal, teams up with Yael Eisenstat, a former CIA officer turned Facebook critic. They dive into the disillusionment surrounding tech criticism and dissect the effectiveness of Facebook's Oversight Board. The conversation highlights the urgent need for accountability in tech to combat misinformation and the challenges of maintaining election integrity. They also advocate for practical solutions to drive positive change within the tech industry.

Mat Honan, Executive Editor at BuzzFeed News, shares insights from his extensive experience covering technology's impact on society. He discusses the emergence of the 'Zoom Class' and the disparities it has highlighted during the pandemic. Honan also dives into the world of NFTs, exploring their cultural significance and the complexities of digital ownership. The conversation touches on the disconnect between tech innovators and essential workers, advocating for greater empathy and understanding in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Sophie Schmidt, founder of Rest of World, and Louise Matsakis, senior editor at the same publication, discuss the urgent need for global tech narratives beyond the West. They reveal insights about tech in countries like China, Kenya, and Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in combating misinformation. The duo also challenges misconceptions surrounding China’s social credit system and explores the ethical implications of emotion recognition technology. Their mission aims to bridge gaps in representation and foster a more inclusive understanding of international tech.

Senator Amy Klobuchar, Chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, delves into Congress's strategies to regulate big tech. She discusses the implications of a Democratic majority in Congress, emphasizing potential antitrust actions. Klobuchar reflects on lessons from the Obama era, urging a reassessment of optimism about tech firms. The conversation highlights bipartisan efforts for robust antitrust legislation and the critical need for resources in regulatory agencies to combat monopolistic practices.

Kayvon Beykpour, Twitter's Head of Product, shares insights from his pivotal role in the company’s resurgence. He discusses the launch of innovative features like Spaces, a competitor to Clubhouse, and Super Follow, which monetizes user content. Beykpour also delves into Twitter's decision-making process behind key policies, including the controversial ban of Trump, and examines how remote work has reshaped the company’s culture. He highlights the importance of journalists on the platform and the evolving landscape of digital communication.

Join Kevin Roose, New York Times columnist and author of Futureproof, as he navigates the intricate relationship between AI and the workforce. He discusses how automation could offer new freedoms but also come with risks of job displacement. The conversation touches on the candid intentions of tech executives, historical parallels with previous innovations, and the vital need for retraining workers. Roose presents nine essential rules for adapting to an automated future, emphasizing the importance of human uniqueness in a tech-driven world.

Will Cathcart leads WhatsApp, the messaging giant with over 2 billion users. He discusses the pivotal privacy conflicts with Apple and Signal, shedding light on WhatsApp’s strategies for user data security. Cathcart also explores the implications of new Indian laws threatening encryption and elaborates on the platform's content moderation tactics to combat misinformation. His insights reflect the balancing act between user trust, innovation, and regulatory pressures in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Wael Ghonim, the former Google marketing director who ignited the Egyptian revolution with a Facebook page, discusses modern social media's dual nature. He reminisces about the power of digital platforms in mobilizing activism and the emotional conflicts faced during the revolution. Ghonim critiques the oversimplified view of democracy as a solution, emphasizing the risks of polarization. He advocates for thoughtful design in tech, balancing user experience with social responsibility, while calling for authenticity and genuine engagement in the tech landscape.

Join Francis Suarez, Mayor of Miami, who is transforming his city into a tech hotspot, and Satya Rhodes-Conway of Madison, known for her efforts to tackle housing challenges as tech workers flock in. Steve Adler from Austin discusses preserving his city’s unique culture amid rapid tech growth. The mayors explore the lasting impact of remote work, the migration trends to mid-sized cities, and the balance between innovation and inclusivity. It’s a lively conversation about seizing opportunities in the tech landscape while nurturing local communities.