Timnit Gebru, the founder and executive director of the Distributed AI Research Institute, shares her insights on the deepening geopolitical implications of AI. She critiques the unfulfilled promises of AI advancements by major companies while discussing the cultural idolization of figures like Elon Musk. Gebru highlights ethical concerns surrounding data use and governmental compliance, advocating for a shift in how tech narratives are framed. The conversation also touches on building solidarity among global data workers to challenge industry monopolies.

Paris Marx is joined by James Meadway to discuss how the UK Labour Party is embracing AI regardless of the cost and the consequences of allowing US companies to dominate the digital economy in so many other countries.James Meadway is an economist and the host of Macrodose.Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham.Also mentioned in this episode:James wrote about the UK Labour Party’s obsession with growth.Last year, Google warned the UK government it would get left behind on AI if it didn’t weaken copyright rules and build more data centers.Support the show

Ed Niedermeyer, author of "Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors," discusses the complexities of Tesla's business model and Elon Musk's significant influence on both the automotive industry and U.S. politics. He highlights the vulnerabilities of Musk's power in the face of protests and the challenge of maintaining Tesla's market position amid rising competition. Niedermeyer also critiques the gap between Musk's ambitious hype and Tesla's realities, urging collective action to address corporate dominance and reshape the narrative around the EV landscape.

Makena Kelly, a senior writer at WIRED and author of the Politics Lab newsletter, discusses the radical changes that DOGE is bringing to U.S. governance. She delves into how this initiative is reshaping roles in government IT and influencing crucial departments like Social Security. The conversation touches on the challenges of integrating inexperienced personnel into vital systems and the ongoing struggle between modern technology and outdated legacy systems. Kelly also highlights the tensions between innovation, regulatory oversight, and transparency in government operations.

Delve into the intricate world of generative AI as experts unpack the computational demands that drive these models. Discover how crucial specialized hardware, like NVIDIA GPUs, supports the complex calculations involved. The discussion critiques the rising costs and energy challenges associated with generative AI, painting a stark picture of sustainability as usage escalates. This eye-opening conversation reveals the hidden infrastructure strains that accompany the fascination with AI technology.

Eoin Higgins, journalist and author of "Owned: How Tech Billionaires on the Right Bought the Loudest Voices on the Left," delves into the profound influence of tech elites on media narratives. He highlights the shift from critical journalism to more favorable coverage of tech giants, framing it as a battle for control over public perception. Higgins discusses the fallout from Peter Thiel's feud with Gawker, the rise of alternative media like Substack, and the ideological shifts of once-leftist commentators, revealing the complex interplay of money, power, and media integrity.

Dive into the fascinating world of artificial general intelligence as experts dissect its sci-fi inspirations. Discover how narratives shape Sam Altman's vision for tech's future. The discussion navigates the dual narratives in Silicon Valley, weighing the ambitions against the potential risks of AGI. With insights from seasoned reporter Julia Black, the conversation unpacks the motivations behind tech leaders' pursuits and the existential questions surrounding humanity's role in this rapidly evolving landscape.

In this conversation, Liz Pelly, a music journalist and author of "Mood Machine," dives into the seismic shifts Spotify has caused in the music industry. She discusses how streaming services manipulate artist compensation and explores the rise of curated playlists that shape listener experiences. Pelly emphasizes the importance of collective action for independent musicians facing industry giants. The dialogue also touches on innovative community initiatives that seek to revalue music beyond profit, showcasing local libraries' role in supporting artists.

In this engaging conversation, Chris Gilliard, co-director of the Critical Internet Studies Institute and author of the upcoming book "Luxury Surveillance," delves into the intersections of technology, politics, and society. He critiques cyberlibertarianism and the influence of right-wing ideologies on our perceptions of the internet. Gilliard discusses the troubling ties between Silicon Valley and the military-industrial complex, as well as the dark implications of tech companies evolving from connectivity champions to tools that threaten democracy.

Dive into the intriguing world of simulation theory, where the realities of our existence are called into question. Discover the three key propositions that suggest we might be living in a simulation. The discussion raises profound inquiries about humanity's future and the nature of consciousness. Could we really be simulated beings? This thought-provoking exploration challenges our perceptions of reality and what it means to be human.