This Week in Tech (Audio)

Join Owen Thomas, managing editor at San Francisco Business Times, Iain Thomson, tech reporter at The Register, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin as they tackle the latest in tech. They discuss the alarming government threats to Wikipedia's editorial freedom and the implications for free speech. The trio dives into Apple's antitrust challenges and the rise of AI-fueled misinformation, stressing the importance of ethical journalism. Rivlin shares insights from his book 'AI Valley,' shedding light on the intersection of tech and society.

This week, Abrar Al-Heeti, a tech reporter from CNET, Daniel Rubino, editor of Windows Central, and internet law expert Cathy Gellis dive into high-tech hot topics. They discuss the rapid obsolescence of AI jobs and ethical considerations as AI evolves. The panel debates Google's potential Chrome sale amid antitrust scrutiny while exploring the implications of social media's shift to entertainment-driven content. Plus, they highlight the excitement around the sold-out Nintendo Switch 2 and innovative modular cars disrupting the auto market.

Judge rules Google illegally monopolized ad tech, opening door to potential breakup AI-hallucinated code dependencies become new supply chain risk OpenAI's secret Yap score 4chan, the internet's most infamous forum, is down following an alleged hack FTC v. Meta: the US argued Meta has a monopoly in the "personal social networking" market, which it claims includes only Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and MeWe Trump Signals Semiconductor Tariffs Are Coming 'Very Soon' Tariffs making it impossible to shop for tech, applicances Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders live on April 24, for real this time; fans still mad at $80 games Is this a Bad Therapist? Real Therapist Reacts to Adolescence Risks to children playing Roblox 'deeply disturbing', say researchers Hacked Crosswalks In Bay Area Play Deepfake-Style Messages From Tech Billionaires China's First Robot Marathon Runners Trip, Emit Smoke, Fall Apart OpenAI is building a social network Leaked: Palantir's Plan to Help ICE Deport People New Jersey Sues Discord for Allegedly Failing to Protect Children Scientists Find Promising Indication of Extraterrestrial Life—124 Light-Years Away Host: Leo Laporte Guests: Georgia Dow, Nicholas De Leon, and Paris Martineau Download or subscribe to This Week in Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit shopify.com/twit kinsta.com/twit oracle.com/twit monarchmoney.com with code TWIT

Sam Abuelsamid, a car expert and VP of research at telemetry, joins Allyn Malventano, an AI and SSD technologist, and Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ, the Digital Jesuit. They discuss the potential elimination of IP laws and the implications for creativity. Insights on the latest tech dynamics reveal the challenges of tariff impacts on Apple and the automotive industry. They also touch on Microsoft's Recall AI rollout, exploring privacy concerns and the future of digital data management.

In this engaging conversation, angel investor Jason Calacanis and journalist Alex Wilhelm dive into the intersection of tech, politics, and innovation. They discuss the implications of Big Tech's support for Trump and the ongoing delays around TikTok's ban. The duo also explores the rise of humanoid robots and the future of SpaceX's military contracts. With insights on the evolving landscape of trading dynamics and the impact of AI on jobs, they mix humor with critical reflections on the tech industry's role in society.

Alex Kantrowitz, a technology journalist known for exploring tech's societal impacts, joins Iain Thomson, a savvy reporter from The Register, and Jacob Ward, a former NBC journalist and author, to tackle a whirlwind of tech topics. They dive into the fallout from a leaked Signal chat and discuss the complex relationship between AI and traditional animation, particularly focusing on Studio Ghibli. The panel also debates the implications of advanced AI on jobs, privacy, and the evolving landscape of digital journalism.

Harry McCracken, a tech historian from Fast Company, joins Fr. Robert Ballecer, a Jesuit priest and tech expert, and Patrick Beja, a European technology commentator. They dissect Intel's corporate shake-up and its ramifications, while diving into TikTok's uncertain future amid regulatory scrutiny. The trio also debates social media's evolving landscape and the unsettling reliance on credit for everyday expenses, raising pertinent questions about gene ownership and personal data privacy in a rapidly changing digital world.

In this discussion, Amy Webb, a notable futurist, shares her insights on the future of AI and robotics, highlighting ethical dilemmas and technological advancements. Glenn Fleishman dives into the impact of controversial book releases on corporate accountability. Mikah Sargent addresses cybersecurity challenges, emphasizing modern solutions in a fast-evolving tech landscape. Together, they dissect the dystopian messages in the Russo brothers' newest film while navigating the intersection of technology, privacy, and innovation in today's society.

In this engaging discussion, guests Devindra Hardawar, a Senior editor at Engadget, Mike Elgan, a seasoned tech journalist, and Louis Maresca, an AI engineering manager at Microsoft, dive into the quirky chaos of AI at home. They explore the impact of AI in perpetuating misinformation, especially in geopolitical contexts, and analyze the fierce competition between AMD and Nvidia in the GPU market. The talk also humorously touches on tech innovations showcased at MWC 2025 and the evolving challenges of parental controls in today's digital landscape.

Emily Forlini, a tech reporter from PC Magazine, Doc Rock, a charismatic YouTube personality, and Janko Roettgers, a tech journalist from Gigaom, dive into the latest in tech. They discuss Amazon's AI-powered Alexa Plus and ponder the future of Siri amid its struggles. With Skype's shutdown looming, they reflect on its journey and the rise of Zoom. The challenges of privacy and cybersecurity amid rising crypto crimes are also explored, paired with nostalgic anecdotes about past tech and the importance of teaching Gen Alpha about AI.