Eryk Salvaggio, a visiting professor and tech policy expert, along with AI ethicist Borhane Blili-Hamelin and Margaret Mitchell, chief ethics scientist at Hugging Face, dive into the controversial pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI). They question whether AGI should remain the ultimate goal, arguing it may detract from vital ethical discussions and genuine societal benefits. The conversation highlights the danger of mainstream consensus around AGI, advocating for diverse perspectives and practical applications in AI that genuinely address community needs.

A year ago, Europe’s Digital Markets Act—the DMA—went into effect. The European Commission says the purpose of the regulation is to make “digital markets in the EU more contestable and fairer.” In particular, the DMA regulates gatekeepers, the large digital platforms whose position gives them greater leverage over the digital economy. One year in, how has the DMA performed? Do Europeans enjoy more choice and competition? And what are the new politics of the DMA as European regulations are contested by the Trump administration and its supporters in US industry? To answer these questions and more, Tech Policy Press contributing editor Dean Jackson spoke to a set of experts following a conference hosted by the Knight Georgetown Institute titled “DMA and Beyond.” His guests include:Alissa Cooper, Executive Director of the Knight-Georgetown Institute (KGI)Anu Bradford, Henry L. Moses Professor of Law and International Organization at Columbia Law SchoolHaeyoon Kim, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Korea Economic Institute (KEI), andGunn Jiravuttipong, a JSD Candidate and Miller Fellow at Berkeley Law School.

Could AI help design better, more democratic platforms and online environments for public discourse? What are the opportunities, challenges, and risks of deploying AI in contexts where people are engaged in political discussion? Today’s guests are among the more than two dozen authors of a new paper on AI and the future of digital public squares:Audrey Tang, Taiwan's Cyber Ambassador and former Digital MinisterRavi Iyer, managing director of the USC Marshall School Neely Center for Ethical Leadership and Decision MakingBeth Goldberg, head of R&D at Jigsaw and a lecturer at Yale School of Public Policy

Rudy Fraser, founder of Blacksky Algorithms and a fellow at Harvard's Berkman Klein Center, dives into the world of social media middleware. He shares his inspiring journey from a childhood passion for video games to creating tools for user autonomy in digital spaces. The conversation reveals the challenges of building Black Sky, a platform designed for Black users, focusing on community support and effective moderation. Fraser emphasizes the importance of decentralized approaches to counter misinformation and foster safe online communities.

Lara Putnam, a professor specializing in social media's impact on child exploitation, joins Pablo Medina Uribe, a seasoned journalist focused on disinformation, to delve into a shocking investigation. They discuss how predatory groups on Facebook target children for exploitation in Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina. The importance of collaborative journalism in exposing these threats is highlighted, as is the urgent need for better child protection laws and accountability from tech companies. Their findings underscore a troubling digital landscape where children are at significant risk.

Travis LeBlanc, former member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), and Greg Nojeim, Senior Counsel at the Center for Democracy & Technology, dive into the recent turmoil within the PCLOB after the dismissal of key members. They discuss the board's critical role in balancing national security and civil liberties, the lawsuit filed by terminated members, and challenges in overseeing data privacy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining the board's independence and the implications for U.S.-EU data protection agreements.

Hillary Ross leads advocacy at the Global Network Initiative, focusing on tech companies and user rights. Magdalena Jozwiak researches systemic risks within the Digital Services Act (DSA), emphasizing human rights implications. Svea Windwehr champions platform regulation and AI oversight at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. They discuss the challenges and insights from the DSA's first systemic risk assessments, stressing transparency, accountability, and the crucial role of clearer guidelines to tackle misinformation and enhance user protections in the digital landscape.

Liu I-Chen, Kuan-Ju Chou, and Grace Huang are prominent advocates for digital rights in Taiwan. They discuss the urgent need for data protection legislation amid rising authoritarian threats. The trio highlights grassroots movements pushing for a digital Bill of Rights and the role of civil society in maintaining Taiwan's democratic values. They explore how cybersecurity challenges, especially from China, are shaping their fight for freedom of expression. Insights from the RightsCon summit reveal Taiwan's position as a beacon of online liberty in Asia.

The Paris AI Summit showcased a striking divide between EU and US leaders regarding AI's future. Big names like Macron and Modi emphasized innovation while considering global welfare and national interests. Challenges around the EU's strict regulations, like the AI Act and GDPR, contrasted sharply with the US's more lenient approach. Concerns about tech oligarchy and its threat to democracy were prominent, urging for urgent regulatory actions. Overall, the discussions highlighted the balancing act between innovation, regulation, and maintaining democratic values in the age of AI.

In this engaging discussion, David Kaye, a law professor and expert on freedom of expression, and Yaël Eisenstat, a director at Cybersecurity for Democracy, dissect Elon Musk's growing influence in Washington. They delve into Musk's controversial role in government efficiency, raising alarms over transparency and accountability. The conversation highlights the unchecked power of tech moguls like Musk and Zuckerberg, exploring their impact on democracy and civic engagement amidst political challenges. Their insights reveal urgent societal concerns over wealth inequality and the future of public discourse.