TechTank

As driverless cars hit the roads in more cities, some researchers are trying to improve their efficiency and navigational systems by creating social networks of autonomous vehicles. In this episode, Darrell West speaks with Yong Liu about this research project and how it might improve the reliability of these systems while protecting passengers’ privacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Several major tech companies are facing legal challenges from antitrust enforcers who allege they have monopolized their respective markets. As courts determine proper redress in some cases, the remedies they choose might shape the future of digital competition. In this episode, guest host Bill Baer speaks with Rebecca Slaughter and Doha Mekki about these decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 A recent report from Pew Research Center analyzed how U.S. adults and tech experts feel about AI, finding areas where the two groups were widely apart and where there was consensus. In this episode, co-host Nicol Turner lee speaks with author of the study Monica Anderson from Pew about these opinions on AI and where these groups want to see more policies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid excitement around advancements in space exploration, there are unresolved issues concerning the role of private firms. Some companies receive billions of dollars in federal money and private sector leaders have been appointed to top positions at agencies like NASA. In this episode, co-host Darrell West speaks with investigative journalist Eric Lipton of the New York Times about the implications of these partnerships and what it means for space policy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is talk of “unleashing AI” and removing burdensome regulations on its use within the new Trump administration. Staff members associated with the Department of Government Efficiency are using AI to analyze agency operations, gaining extraordinary access to government data. In this episode, co-host Darrell West speaks with Professor Allison Stanger on how DOGE is using AI in government and the risks presented by its access to government information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief revealed he was inadvertently added to a group chat with high-ranking national security officials on the commercial app Signal, there have been widespread discussions and concerns about how government officials communicate sensitive information. Co-host, Nicol Turner Lee, speaks to Brookings’ experts Stephanie Pell and Scott Anderson on this story’s implications for cybersecurity and privacy under the Trump administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Wheeler, the former FCC chairman under Obama and author of 'Tech Lash', discusses the evolving landscape of the FCC under the Trump administration. He highlights the potential rollback of diversity initiatives and the challenges of spectrum auctions critical for 5G rollout. Wheeler also raises alarms about political influence on public interest decisions, touching on concerns around censorship. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing broadband access and cybersecurity, as well as the implications for artificial intelligence and network security.

African Americans have had long standing impacts in the field of innovation as inventors to entrepreneurs. In this episode, we will talk to serial entrepreneurs Erin Horne McKinney and John Pasmore to share how Black Tech founders are advancing their ideas, while navigating barriers that limit access to capital and relevant networks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To ban or not to ban the social media app, Tik Tok? This has been the question since President Trump’s first term in office, largely due to a host of national security concerns. The recent extension to the ban for identifying a U.S.-based buyer may have saved the app for online users but was it an overreach of Trump’s power. In this episode, guests discuss the implications for the future of Tik Tok in the U.S. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By 2050, Africa will be home to 25% of the world’s population with more than $16 trillion in combined business and consumer spending. The dividends of innovation must be part of the continent’s growth, as well as the global digital economy. On this episode of the TechTank podcast, co-host and Brookings fellow, Chinasa Okolo, speaks with author and Brookings Senior Fellow, Landry Signé about his new book, Realizing Africa’s Potential: A Journey to Potential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.