Terms of Service with Clare Duffy

What if we could understand what the animals around us are saying? It’s the subject of countless movies and thought experiments, and something many of us wish we could do. Thanks to artificial intelligence, that reality may be closer than ever. Aza Raskin is the co-founder of the Earth Species Project, a nonprofit that's using AI to decode animal communication. He explains how AI identifies language patterns across the animal kingdom, which species we’re closest to understanding, and how to mitigate harms that could result from this new technology.  We’re taking listener questions for upcoming episodes! If you have tech questions or concerns you’d like answered, email us or send us a voice note at CNNTermsOfService@gmail.com.  The humpback whale songs you heard in this episode were recorded by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. You can listen to the audio at https://freesound.org/s/498708/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank McCourt, billionaire investor and founder of Project Liberty, champions user control over personal data. He discusses his bid for TikTok and the vision of an internet prioritizing individuals' rights. The conversation delves into the challenges of data ownership in the AI era and the risks posed by chatbots. McCourt outlines his ideas for sovereign AI agents that preserve user privacy and explains a new economic model for data sharing, ultimately advocating for a future where users regain agency.

C.T. Jones, a culture writer at Rolling Stone, dives into the rising trend of online age verification. They discuss the motivations behind these laws, linking them to parental concerns and historical regulations. C.T. explains how different methods of age verification work, from ID checks to AI age estimation, while raising privacy concerns about data collection. The conversation also addresses potential impacts on free speech and the future of these mandates, suggesting alternatives that prioritize safety without sacrificing anonymity.

In this enlightening conversation, Rachel Cericola, a Wirecutter writer with 25 years of experience in smart home technology, reveals how gadgets can significantly reduce energy bills. She discusses smart thermostats and plugs, explaining their potential savings and how they adapt to user habits. Rachel emphasizes the importance of energy-efficient lighting versus HVAC systems, shares common setup mistakes, and warns about privacy issues with device data. Start small with smart plugs to tackle specific problems and potentially unlock utility rebates!

As a practicing neurosurgeon and CNN’s chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta can spot false health claims from a mile away. Still, he recently became the unwitting subject of an AI disinformation campaign that used his likeness to sell sham health products. On today’s episode, Dr. Gupta shares what happened, and offers tips to avoid getting duped by medical misinformation online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kids are heading back to school. One thing students, teachers and parents can expect to encounter this year is artificial intelligence, which has raised all kinds of questions, both positive and negative. So, how can you make sure your student is navigating AI safely and successfully? Dr. Kathleen Torregrossa has been an educator for 37 years in Cranston, Rhode Island. She explains how teachers are using AI in the classroom, and what families need to know about its impact on learning.   – This episode includes a reference to suicide. Help is available if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters. In the US: Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Globally: The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide have contact information for crisis centers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Riana Pfefferkorn, a policy fellow at Stanford specializing in encryption and digital privacy, dives deep into the complexities surrounding private communication. She explains how DMs and texts, while seemingly safe, can be vulnerable to third-party access. Riana highlights the crucial role of end-to-end encryption and discusses tools like Signal for ensuring security, particularly for marginalized communities. She also shares practical tips for selecting messaging apps and understanding settings to truly safeguard your conversations in today's politically charged environment.

Should you trust public WiFi? How do you choose the right VPN? And what should you do when yet another website asks you to allow cookies? On today’s episode, ethical hacker and SocialProof Security CEO Rachel Tobac answers some rapid-fire questions about staying safe and savvy online. You can hear our previous episode with Rachel, about the safest way to create and manage your passwords, here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lucy Simic, a performance artist with stage 4 cancer, collaborates with David Usher, CEO of ReimagineAI, to create LucyAI, a chatbot that encapsulates her memories and personality. They delve into the emotional journey of using technology to craft a personal legacy and the ethical implications of digital remembrance. The discussion touches on creativity as an expression of identity, the authenticity of AI-driven memories, and how these innovations could redefine storytelling and support in tough times.

Many Indigenous languages are at risk of disappearing. 24-year-old inventor Danielle Boyer is on a mission to change that. She designed SkoBot, an interactive robot that teaches children her own native language, Anishinaabemowin. Danielle shares how she developed SkoBot, the ethical questions that came up along the way, and how she involved her own community in the process. You can read more about Danielle’s organization, The STEAM Connection, here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices