Over the last two decades, as Berlin reinvented itself as a "creative city," social media both mirrored and shaped shifting social landscapes—offering new possibilities while also reinforcing inequalities. How did digital media practices reshape urban life? And what can Berlin’s story tell us about the broader relationship between technology, culture, and the places we live? Today’s guest is Jordan H. Kraemer, the author of a new book that tries to answer these questions and more. It's called Mobile City: Emerging Media, Space, and Sociality in Contemporary Berlin, published by Cornell University Press.

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.

Jathan Sadowski, a senior lecturer at Monash University and author of The Mechanic and the Luddite, joins the conversation to unravel the tight-knit relationship between technology and capitalism. He critiques traditional tech narratives and advocates for increased accountability and critical thinking. Sadowski reexamines the Luddite movement, dispelling myths around their anti-tech stance, and addresses how AI functions as a 'perpetual value machine' aiming for endless profits. He also discusses the political dynamics of Silicon Valley, highlighting its troubling alliances and the need for regulation.

Karen Hao, a prominent AI reporter and author, shares her insights on the rise of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, which challenges major players like OpenAI and Google. She discusses the implications of DeepSeek's cost-effective, open-source model and how it questions U.S. firms' strategies. The conversation dives into the changing dynamics of U.S.-China AI competition, emphasizing innovative, adaptable approaches in China versus resource-heavy American methods. Hao also reflects on the balance of optimism and skepticism in the future of AI development.

Damon Beres, a senior editor at The Atlantic and author of 'Billions of People in the Palm of Trump’s Hand,' dives deep into Trump’s inaugural tech initiatives. They discuss ambitious plans for AI, including the $500 billion Stargate project, aimed at revolutionizing the sector and creating jobs. The podcast also explores the cozy yet complicated relationship between tech giants and the Trump administration under antitrust scrutiny. Lastly, they examine Elon Musk’s rising influence and the high-stakes investments shaping the future of technology amidst environmental concerns.

This episode features two segments. First, we hear from Nikki Gladstone, director of Rightscon, the annual conference organized by Access Now on issues at the intersection of human rights and technology. And in the second, you’ll hear from Robin Berjon and Sean McDonald, two of the folks behind Free Our Feeds, a new effort to raise a public interest foundation that will work to support making Bluesky’s underlying tech (the AT Protocol) resistant to billionaire capture.

Kate Klonick, an associate professor of law at St. John's University, dives into the Supreme Court's recent ruling upholding a ban on TikTok, analyzing its implications for freedom of expression. She discusses the political moves surrounding the decision and the potential for TikTok facing a shutdown. Klonick also explores the relationship between tech companies like Meta and political influence, plus the challenges of governance in the digital age. The conversation sheds light on how these factors may reshape the landscape of online content and user rights.

Last fall, Cornell University PhD candidate Cristiana Firullo gave a presentation at the Trust and Safety Research Conference at Stanford University during a session on understanding algorithms and online environments. Titled "The Cursed Equilibrium of Algorithmic Traumatization," the talk focused on the work Firullo is doing with her colleagues at Cornell to try to understand why social media recommendation systems may produce harmful effects on users. Audio reporter Rebecca Rand spoke to Firullo about their hypotheses.

Keir Lamont, senior director at the Future of Privacy Forum, Caitriona Fitzgerald from EPIC, and Scott Babwah Brennen of NYU delve into the shifting tech policy landscape as states gear up for 2025. They discuss a surge in state-level tech regulations, notably over 100 new laws on AI. The experts analyze privacy advancements, contrasting states like Maryland and California. They also explore evolving youth online safety legislation and the increasing bipartisan momentum for smartphone bans in classrooms, highlighting a unique intersection of politics and technology.

Dr. Ruha Benjamin, a Princeton University professor and MacArthur Fellow, discusses the power of collective imagination in shaping our future. She critiques traditional narratives of innovation, advocating for equity and community-driven solutions. They explore the concept of 'smart borders' and how technology intersects with control and activism. Benjamin emphasizes the significance of ancestral wisdom in community rebuilding while balancing critique and hope for a better future in her upcoming book, 'Us-topia'. Humor and creativity also play a role in reflecting on identity.