The Sunday Show

David Dinielli, an attorney and visiting lecturer at Yale focusing on tech accountability, Cristina Caffarra, a competition economist and UCL professor, and Kate Brennan, associate director at the AI Now Institute, delve into Google's antitrust case. They discuss the implications of the court’s ruling on monopolistic practices, the significance of proposed remedies by the Department of Justice, and the intricate relationship between generative AI and search market dominance. They explore the challenges of fostering real competition in the tech landscape.

Petra Molnar is a lawyer and anthropologist, known for her work on migration and technology, including her book 'The Walls Have Eyes.' She discusses the troubling intersection of mass migration and technological surveillance, highlighting how AI is reshaping border policies. Molnar shares her experiences as a refugee worker, illustrating bureaucratic barriers faced by migrants. She also emphasizes the importance of compassion amidst systemic dehumanization, advocating for tech workers to shape ethical technology development in migration contexts.

Kate Starbird, a professor at the University of Washington and co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public, discusses the intricate world of online election discourse. She examines how misinformation is shaped by political ecosystems, emphasizing the contrasting strategies of the left and right. Kate highlights the shift from traditional manipulation to citizen-driven narratives and the emotional dynamics in social media. She calls for innovative platforms that promote shared values to combat misinformation effectively, fostering resilience in the information landscape.

Robert Gorwa, a researcher at the Berlin Social Science Center and author of "The Politics of Platform Regulation," explores the complexities of online content moderation. He dives into the varied regulatory approaches by governments, highlighting case studies like Germany's Network Enforcement Act and responses post-Christchurch tragedy. Gorwa sheds light on civil society's role, the influence of politics on regulatory strategies, and the future challenges in platform governance as fairness and fragmentation loom large.

Evan Greer, Director of Fight for the Future, dives deep into tech advocacy and social justice. She recounts a heated moment with Congresswoman Nancy Mace over LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in tech. The discussion tackles the complexities of engaging with far-right politicians while advocating for marginalized communities. Greer emphasizes the importance of community-driven initiatives and the vision for a more equitable internet, while also addressing the harassment faced by activists in the digital space.

Philip M. Napoli, an expert in media policy at Duke University, dives into the troubling landscape of disinformation research in this discussion. He unveils the concerted efforts by political forces to undermine research on propaganda. Napoli explains agnotology, highlighting how misinformation flourished post-2016 election. The conversation touches on the evolving risks for researchers and the need for accountability among platforms. He also calls for balanced regulations to protect free speech while addressing the challenges posed by digital misinformation.

Parmy Olson, a technology regulation columnist for Bloomberg Opinion and author of "Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World," dives into the fierce competition for AI dominance. She shares insights on the personal journeys of industry leaders like Sam Altman and Demis Hassabis. Olson discusses the complex balance between innovation and ethical implications, the challenges of corporate power, and the evolving landscape of AI regulation. The conversation highlights the urgent questions surrounding the future of artificial general intelligence.

Greg Epstein, the Humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT and author of "Tech Agnostic," explores the idea that technology has morphed into a modern religion. He discusses how tech leaders promise salvation and abundance while often neglecting pressing social issues. The conversation delves into the emotional toll of political shifts and critiques the growing influence of tech titans like Elon Musk. Epstein advocates for a reevaluation of our relationship with technology, pushing for ethical reforms that align with humanist values.

Woodrow Hartzog, a Boston University law professor and co-author of a recent paper, discusses the implications of Franz Kafka’s worldview for privacy in the age of AI. He critiques the individual control model of privacy, advocating for a societal structure approach that imposes obligations on organizations. The conversation delves into how technological complexities lead to poor decision-making and highlights the paradox of embracing AI's conveniences despite inherent risks. Hartzog also reviews the EU's AI Act, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses in regulating privacy.

In this insightful discussion, Katie Harbath, a tech consultant and former Facebook executive, joins Nicole Schneidman, a technology policy strategist, and Dean Jackson, a policy expert and fellow at Tech Policy Press. They delve into the preparedness of social media platforms for post-election challenges. Topics include the threat of misinformation, the struggles of election officials, and the implications of high-profile figures spreading false claims. The trio emphasizes the need for collaboration between tech companies and electoral bodies to safeguard democracy.