Tech Won't Save Us

The conversation dives into the ethical quandaries of artificial intelligence. It raises provocative questions about regulating technology that may cause harm. The possibility of taking radical actions against AI systems is discussed, suggesting that traditional regulations might not suffice. Insights from an expert in data ethics highlight the pressing need to reevaluate our approach to AI in today's world.

In this conversation, tante, a sociotechnologist and Luddite, dives into the recent turmoil in the open source community, notably the clash between WordPress and WP Engine. They scrutinize the evolving definition of open source AI, questioning its transparency regarding training data. tante exposes how commercialization is compromising foundational ideals, and highlights the need for democratic governance in tech. They raise alarms about corporate interests overtaking the original mission of open source, urging for a return to collective ownership and user empowerment.

In this insightful discussion, Jacob Silverman, author of "Gilded Rage: Elon Musk and the Radicalization of Silicon Valley," dissects the overwhelming financial influence of tech billionaires like Musk on U.S. elections. He critiques the ethical implications of Silicon Valley's political maneuvers, especially their support for right-wing ideologies. The conversation also touches on the legal challenges these tech titans face and highlights how their actions could reshape democracy, raising alarms about corporatism and the future of political accountability.

Join Emil P. Torres, a postdoctoral candidate, Julia Black, a features reporter, Dan McQuillan, a lecturer, and Ali Alkhatib, former head of a data ethics center, as they dive into the chilling nexus of tech and extreme right-wing politics. They discuss the dangers of tech billionaires' visions for a future where humans merge with machines. Ethical implications of living in a simulation are unpacked, alongside calls for reclaiming digital sovereignty against expanding data centers. A thought-provoking conversation on technology's societal impact awaits!

Ulises A. Mejias, a Communication Studies professor, and Nick Couldry, a Media, Communications, and Social Theory professor, dive deep into the unsettling parallels between data colonialism and historical exploitation. They discuss how big tech’s data extraction practices echo the oppressive strategies of colonial powers. The conversation highlights the impact of algorithmic bias on marginalized communities and urges listeners to advocate for digital sovereignty. They also explore the importance of community agency in resisting these tech-driven frameworks.

Dan McQuillan, a Lecturer at Goldsmiths University and author of 'Resisting AI', dives into the dark side of generative AI. He discusses the immense energy consumption and environmental impact of AI technologies. McQuillan critiques the power shift as technology dominates societal structures, emphasizing the urgency of addressing rising inequalities. The conversation reveals how major tech companies manipulate climate narratives while expanding their influence, raising alarm about the societal costs of their ambitions.

Julia Black, a features reporter at The Information, discusses the troubling influence of Curtis Yarvin's anti-democratic ideologies within Silicon Valley. She explores how these far-right views have permeated tech culture, reshaping libertarian ideals into authoritarian governance. The conversation dives into unexpected alliances between tech giants like Peter Thiel and traditional conservatism, revealing how extreme political beliefs are now nudging society's norms. Black highlights the ramifications for democracy and the broader implications of this ideological shift.

Brid Smith, an Irish MP, advocates against the unsustainable energy demands of data centers. Aurora Gomez Delgado, an organizer from Spain, shines a light on the severe water crisis fueled by tech industry needs. Sebastian Leuede from King’s College London discusses opposition in Chile where communities resist Google’s water usage proposal. They explore the environmental costs of these facilities and question the trade-offs communities are expected to accept as tech giants expand, challenging the perceived benefits of the 'cloud'.

In this discussion, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Spencer Ackerman delves into the grim realities of warfare in Gaza and the role of technology in these conflicts. He unpacks the chilling innovations in drone and surveillance tech and their implications for civilian safety. Highlighting the ethics of military advancements, he contrasts global responses to crises and sheds light on America’s involvement in shaping modern warfare. Ackerman also discusses the troubling links between Silicon Valley and the military-industrial complex, questioning the future of tech in warfare.

Dwayne Monroe, a senior cloud consultant with over 20 years in data centers, and Cecilia Rikap, an associate professor in economics, dive into the world of hyperscale data centers. They discuss how tech giants like Amazon and Google are reshaping local economies and the environment with their insatiable resource demands. The impact on communities, including legal battles over water consumption and the push for transparency, raises critical questions about the future we want. Is the growth of cloud computing and its consequences sustainable?