The Sunday Show

In this insightful discussion, Gary Marcus, an author and advocate for responsible AI development, highlights the critical moral implications of artificial intelligence. He argues that tech companies should be held accountable for the societal harms caused by their products, such as misinformation and cybercrime. Marcus emphasizes the need for stronger governance, proposing a dedicated digital agency and policy innovations to ensure AI benefits democracy rather than jeopardizing it. His call for collective consumer action against unethical practices in AI sets the stage for a more responsible technological future.

Thierry Breton, a former French Minister of Finance and crucial player in European tech regulation, recently resigned from his role in the European Commission. His departure raises questions about the future direction of digital policy in Europe. Topics discussed include the potential shift in regulatory power and the impact on upcoming legislation like the EU AI Act. The conversation delves into Europe's quest for digital sovereignty and its strategic autonomy, as well as what Breton's resignation means for tech companies navigating this evolving landscape.

Dr. Oliver Marsh, head of tech research at Algorithm Watch, delves into the complexities of systemic risks under the Digital Services Act. He discusses the critical need for better data access and collaboration between platforms, regulators, and researchers, particularly in relation to public safety. A captivating example includes deepfake audio's impact on Slovakia's elections. Marsh also emphasizes the importance of proactive compliance and the potential for research partnerships to enhance understanding and address the challenges of digital regulation.

Paris Marx, a Canadian tech critic, recently authored a post under the headline "Pavel Durov and Elon Musk are not free speech champions: The actions against Telegram and Twitter/X are about sovereignty, not speech." Justin Hendrix spoke to Paris about his assessment of these matters, and why those making claims in defense of free speech in the wake of Brazil’s ban on X and Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France may in fact be undermining free expression and internet freedoms in the long run. 

Today is Monday, September 9th. Today Judge Leonie Brinkema of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is presiding over the start of a trial in which the United States Department of Justice accuses Google of violating antitrust law, abusing its power in the market for online advertising. Google contests the allegations against it. To get a bit more detail on what to expect, Justin Hendrix spoke to two individuals covering the case closely who take a critical view of Google, the government’s allegations about its power in the online advertising market, and the company’s effect on journalism and the overall media and information ecosystem:Sarah Kay Wiley, director of policy at Check My Ads, which is running a comprehensive tracker on the case;Karina Montoya, a senior reporter and policy analyst at the Center for Journalism and Liberty, a program of the Open Markets Institute, who has covered the case extensively for Tech Policy Press.

California is buzzing with tech legislation, as Governor Newsom faces a deadline on 19 bills affecting AI and safety. The complexities of SB 1047 highlight challenges educators face with rapid AI advancements. A focus on deep fakes reveals how new laws aim to protect public figures while addressing ethical AI use. The conversation underscores a delicate balance between innovation and the need for accountability, with California's pioneering moves likely influencing other states in the ongoing battle for effective tech regulation.

Dr. Shannon McGregor, an associate professor at UNC, and Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong, a global digital media expert, delve into the complex role of technology in elections. They discuss how civil society can combat misinformation and highlight accountability issues across various nations. The conversation also touches on the dual nature of social media, the impact of generative AI on electoral processes, and the importance of equitable access to resources. Additionally, they explore public trust in technology and the implications of disinformation tactics targeting public health.

Renée DiResta, a board member at Tech Policy Press and author of "Invisible Rulers," shares her insights on technology's role in shaping misinformation, especially as the 2024 elections approach. She explores the evolution of propaganda in the digital age and the confusion surrounding COVID-19 experts. DiResta discusses the complexities of social media and the urgent need for better content moderation. Her passion shines through as she addresses the challenges institutions face in combating misinformation and navigating today’s meme-driven political landscape.

The billionaire owner of the social media platform X, Elon Musk, has been in a prolonged dispute with a Supreme Court Judge in Brazil regarding X’s content moderation practices. Earlier this year, Judge Alexandre de Moraes launched an investigation into X after Musk defied a court order to block accounts that supported former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro and were accused of spreading misinformation and hate speech.On Friday afternoon, August 30, following a standoff over an order requiring X to appoint a new legal representative in Brazil, the Judge issued an order to suspend X in the country. Justin Hendrix spoke to three people following the situation closely in Brazil: Laís Martins, a journalist at the The Intercept in Brazil; Sérgio Spagnuolo, executive director & founder of the data-driven tech news organization Nucleo Journalism; and Dr. Ivar Alberto Hartmann, an associate professor at the Insper Institute of Education and Research in Brazil.

Justin Hendrix speaks with Mark Surman, President of Mozilla, about Mozilla’s work promoting open source AI, the importance of competition in the tech sector, and the regulatory challenges facing the industry. Surman discusses Mozilla's initiatives in AI investment and development, and reflects on what the recent ruling the Google search cases might mean for the future of Mozilla and the tech economy. And, Surman shares his hopes for the future- that we can arrive at a tech economy that is not purely extractive, but rather one that respects people’s values and dignity.