The Sunday Show

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.