Tech Won't Save Us

Karen Hao, an acclaimed technology journalist and author of Empire of AI, dives into the controversial practices of OpenAI under Sam Altman’s leadership. She articulates how the relentless drive for scale leads to exploitation of workers and environmental harm. Karen shares insights on the evolution of AI, highlighting issues like surveillance capitalism, polluted datasets, and the monopolization of AI talent. She calls for more responsible, task-specific AI approaches while exposing the hidden costs of aggressive scaling in the tech industry.

Liz Pelly, a music journalist and author of Mood Machine, dives into the transformative power of Spotify on the music industry. She discusses how personal listening habits shift due to algorithm-driven playlists, contrasting this with community radio’s organic nature. Pelly critiques generative AI's impact on creativity and highlights the importance of fair artist compensation. She also spotlights local library initiatives like Hoopla that empower musicians and provide alternative music access. Pelly’s insights reveal a complex landscape where technology meets artistry.

Jathan Sadowski, a Senior lecturer and author critical of tech power, joins journalist Brian Merchant, author of Blood in the Machine. They reflect on tech’s troubling alliance with politics, particularly Trump's executive order cementing Silicon Valley's influence. The conversation dives into AI's labor impacts, including job losses and managerial overreliance. They also discuss Disney's controversial deal with OpenAI and the looming question of an AI bubble. Looking ahead, they share what to watch in tech and politics for 2026.

Cam Wilson, associate editor at Crikey and co-author of 'Conspiracy Nation,' dives into Australia's new social media age limit. He discusses the law requiring platforms to block accounts for users under 16 and the swift political push behind it. Cam highlights early circumventions by teens and the effectiveness of enforcement measures. He critiques the missed opportunity for a more nuanced regulatory approach and emphasizes the need for better design in online experiences. His insights reveal essential lessons for other countries considering similar regulations.

In this discussion, Ben Wray, a researcher focused on the platform economy and author of the Gig Economy Project, dives into Europe's fraught relationship with U.S. pressure over tech and labor rights. He explores the Dutch government's short-lived nationalization of Nexperia amid geopolitical tensions. Wray critiques Europe’s dependency on both the U.S. and China, highlighting how companies like Nexperia exemplify this 'weaponized interdependence.' He also sheds light on the implications of the EU's labor policies, emphasizing the risks of 'Uberization' in vulnerable sectors.

Aline Blankertz, co-founder of Structural Integrity and a keen digital policy researcher, dives into the tensions surrounding EU tech regulations. She explains how right-wing pushes are prioritizing industrial growth over human-centric policies, highlighting the dangers of the Draghi Report and the militarization of tech. Aline critiques Franco-German AI investments, warning they mimic the US's harmful race for AI dominance. She advocates for a collaborative movement to reshape tech policies, stressing the risks of extracting business models even in 'European' solutions.

Ketan Joshi, a climate writer and data analyst from Oslo, dives into the alarming impact of data centers on climate change. He reveals how these facilities are driving a significant increase in fossil fuel consumption, undermining climate targets. Ketan critiques tech companies for their performative green commitments and highlights the troubling collaboration between tech and fossil fuel industries. He also warns about the misleading narrative that AI can solve emissions issues, emphasizing the urgent need for climate advocacy to address data center emissions.

Gil Duran, a newsletter writer and tech politics commentator, delves into Peter Thiel’s fixation on the Antichrist as a distraction from his own actions. He critiques Thiel’s shallow intellectualism and connects his rhetoric to apocalyptic capitalism in Silicon Valley. Duran argues that tech billionaires are constructing enemies to deflect blame and warns about the implications of their extreme ideas. He advocates for uniting diverse groups to challenge these elites and emphasizes the need for narratives that promote democratic futures.

In this discussion, Nathan Grayson, cofounder of Aftermath and author of Stream Big, delves into Saudi Arabia's strategic spending in the gaming and esports sectors as part of its sportswashing efforts. He highlights how the nation is attempting to repair its global image through high-profile investments. Grayson explains the vulnerabilities of the video game industry to such financial influence and addresses the shift in esports figures from resistance to participation due to lucrative incentives. He also discusses EA's risk-averse approach and the implications of Saudi ownership on game content and innovation.

Doug Gordon, a TV producer and co-host of The War on Cars podcast, and Sarah Goodyear, a journalist and co-author of Life After Cars, delve into the detrimental effects of car dependence on society. They explore how cars have reshaped urban landscapes and societal interactions, leading to isolation and political polarization. The duo argues that technology won't solve these issues, advocating for local actions like bike shares and congestion pricing to reclaim urban spaces. Their insights shed light on a movement to challenge car culture and promote more sustainable living.