The Tech Policy Press Podcast

Spencer Overton, a law professor and expert on voting rights, dives into the troubling intersection of AI policy and ethnonationalism under the Trump administration. He discusses how the removal of bias safeguards in AI promotes exclusion and perpetuates racial inequality. Overton outlines the harms of unregulated AI, including deception and homogenization. He also highlights federal uses of AI and their societal implications, calls for an Equitable AI Act, and argues for maintaining pluralism while regulating technology to ensure fairness.

Join Daniela Stockmann, a professor of digital governance, and Ting Luo, an AI and government expert, as they delve into their new book, Governing Digital China. They challenge the simplistic view of Chinese digital governance, introducing the concept of 'popular corporatism'—where citizens, tech giants like Tencent and Alibaba, and the state influence each other. Discover how user preferences can push platforms for more privacy and less censorship, and explore the balance between economic growth and political control in China’s evolving landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Kate Ruane, Amina Fazlullah, and Joel Thayer dive into the evolving landscape of child online safety laws in the U.S. as we head toward 2026. They explore state-level approaches, including age verification and social media labels, while highlighting the potential legal challenges these initiatives face. The panel also discusses the implications of AI and generative technology on youth privacy and safety. With legal uncertainties looming, the experts forecast a continued push for stronger protections and regulations.

Riana Pfefferkorn, a policy fellow at Stanford focusing on generative AI and nonconsensual imagery, dives deep into the controversy sparked by Elon Musk's Grok chatbot. She discusses the alarming outputs of Grok, including requests for sexualized images and the associated legal risks. Riana explains the challenges of moderating this content and the implications of the upcoming Take It Down Act. She also highlights the strain on resources for enforcing laws against child sexual abuse material and provides practical advice for victims seeking remedies.

Anika Collier Navaroli, an award-winning writer and lawyer specializing in tech and human rights, shares insights from her fellowship series. She discusses using emotional questions to enhance policy conversations and the importance of community in tech. Anika emphasizes centering joy in research, rejecting the idea of inevitable technological progress, and the vital role of journalism in rebuilding trust. Listeners will also hear about bridging gaps between industry and civil society and actionable advice for newcomers in the field.

In this insightful discussion, Olivier Sylvain, a law professor at Fordham and a senior policy fellow focusing on information law, critiques Trump's recent AI executive order. He explains how the order attempts to centralize AI approval while clashing with state regulations on bias and pricing. Sylvain argues its potential failure in court due to lack of congressional support, highlights challenges in interstate commerce claims, and discusses the implications of political targeting in enforcement. He also teases his upcoming book on tech regulation.

Joris van Hoboken, a Professor of Information Law at the University of Amsterdam and a key player in the Digital Services Act Observatory, joins to discuss the EU's €120 million fine on Elon Musk’s X. They dive into the implications of this landmark enforcement against digital non-compliance. Joris explores the ongoing investigations, the political responses from Musk and U.S. officials, and the broader landscape of digital regulation in Europe. He wraps up with insights into the future of enforcement actions and his personal passion for punk rock.

Calum Lister Matheson, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh and author of Post-Weird, delves into the psychology behind community beliefs in a fractured digital age. He discusses how fantasy shapes our understanding of reality amidst declining consensus and the evolving role of technology in heightening division. Matheson highlights case studies like Sandy Hook conspiracism and the dynamics within pro-anorexia groups, emphasizing the need for nuanced rhetoric and the dangers of fringe beliefs gaining political traction.

Danielle Keats Citron, a law professor and cyberstalking scholar, Ari Ezra Waldman, a socio-legal expert on privacy, and Jeff Allen, former Meta data scientist, delve into the evolution of trust and safety in tech. They explore the shift from ad hoc moderation to formal policies, highlighting significant events like Gamergate. Their discussion touches on the impact of organizational dynamics, the challenges of compliance governance, and a hopeful note about seasoned professionals moving to regulatory roles. An enlightening look into the complex world of digital safety!

In this discussion, Julia Smakman, a Senior Researcher at the Ada Lovelace Institute, and Leevi Saari, an EU Policy Fellow at the AI Now Institute, dive into the EU's ambitious Digital Omnibus. They explore how the omnibus aims to simplify compliance with the AI Act and GDPR while raising concerns about digital rights. The guests dissect the true nature of digital sovereignty, questioning whether the initiative favors large tech firms over smaller ones. They also discuss advocacy strategies to influence the omnibus and the mixed reactions from member states.